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SAWHORSE
Fixed fees come of permit review
Tom Coombe
http://www.elyecho.com/articles/2015/11/10/fixed-fees-come-permit-review
Numerous discussions at the council table and the formation of a special task force have resulted in changes to Ely’s building permit fee structure, and some relief to local property owners.
Earlier this week, council members unanimously accepted the recommendations of an nine-member task force and directed city staff to draft ordinance changes related to permit fees.
The most notable difference in a fee structure that would take effect Jan. 1 is the removal of project valuation-based fees for projects deemed to be “maintenance items,” such as the replacement of doors, windows, roofs and sidings at city residences.
The group came up with flat fees of $50 for all four areas, although the fee would jump to $100 if a homeowner replaces six or more windows.
The work was the result of at-times “vigorous, but really good discussions,” according to local contractor Tim Hogan.
It was Hogan who went before council members earlier this year and called parts of Ely’s existing fee structure a “ripoff,” but he joined seven others, including council members Paul Kess and Al Forsman, on a task force that met several times over the last three months.
The group was charged with reviewing the fee structure, after the council took no action on a proposal - submitted by building official Doug Whitney - to raise many fees under the valuation-based system.
Hogan said the task force, led by Tony Colarich, “had some really good discussions” but found consensus, agreeing unanimously on all but one recommendation.
Mayor Chuck Novak said the work of the task force was a strong example of how community volunteers can provide assistance, guidance and expertise to the council.
He thanked the group “for a job well done.”
“After awhile you settled down and got some real business done,” said Novak. “You’ve got my appreciation.”
Joining Hogan, Colarich, Kess and Forsman on the task force were John Esse, Steve Smrekar, Misty Merhar, Warren Nikkola, Mike Banovetz and Dick Zahn.
The task force was formed amid some council unrest both over permit fees, and building official compensation.
Both Kess and Forsman were critical of a wage-plus-commission structure, which remains in effect, that resulted in over $130,000 in building official compensation last year.
According to Novak, the changes proposed by the task force wouldn’t significantly alter compensation or revenue generated via permit fees.
“What impact it had relative to 2014, if these (task force proposals) had been in effect, $2,800 less in fees would have been collected,” said Novak. “So it doesn’t have a major impact from that aspect.”
Earlier this year, the city entered into a one-year contract with Doug Whitney, who stepped in as building official in late-2014 when Dennis Schilling left for another position.
A structure allowing for both a $35 an hour wage plus a 75 percent commission on all permit fees came under scrutiny during the spring, with Kess suggesting that the city look to a new model for compensation and pointing to numerous other cities that have less expensive building permit compensation set-ups.
Other city officials have defended the compensation arrangement, noting that the building official is responsible for paying his own taxes, social security and other benefits.
Tom Coombe
http://www.elyecho.com/articles/2015/11/10/fixed-fees-come-permit-review
Numerous discussions at the council table and the formation of a special task force have resulted in changes to Ely’s building permit fee structure, and some relief to local property owners.
Earlier this week, council members unanimously accepted the recommendations of an nine-member task force and directed city staff to draft ordinance changes related to permit fees.
The most notable difference in a fee structure that would take effect Jan. 1 is the removal of project valuation-based fees for projects deemed to be “maintenance items,” such as the replacement of doors, windows, roofs and sidings at city residences.
The group came up with flat fees of $50 for all four areas, although the fee would jump to $100 if a homeowner replaces six or more windows.
The work was the result of at-times “vigorous, but really good discussions,” according to local contractor Tim Hogan.
It was Hogan who went before council members earlier this year and called parts of Ely’s existing fee structure a “ripoff,” but he joined seven others, including council members Paul Kess and Al Forsman, on a task force that met several times over the last three months.
The group was charged with reviewing the fee structure, after the council took no action on a proposal - submitted by building official Doug Whitney - to raise many fees under the valuation-based system.
Hogan said the task force, led by Tony Colarich, “had some really good discussions” but found consensus, agreeing unanimously on all but one recommendation.
Mayor Chuck Novak said the work of the task force was a strong example of how community volunteers can provide assistance, guidance and expertise to the council.
He thanked the group “for a job well done.”
“After awhile you settled down and got some real business done,” said Novak. “You’ve got my appreciation.”
Joining Hogan, Colarich, Kess and Forsman on the task force were John Esse, Steve Smrekar, Misty Merhar, Warren Nikkola, Mike Banovetz and Dick Zahn.
The task force was formed amid some council unrest both over permit fees, and building official compensation.
Both Kess and Forsman were critical of a wage-plus-commission structure, which remains in effect, that resulted in over $130,000 in building official compensation last year.
According to Novak, the changes proposed by the task force wouldn’t significantly alter compensation or revenue generated via permit fees.
“What impact it had relative to 2014, if these (task force proposals) had been in effect, $2,800 less in fees would have been collected,” said Novak. “So it doesn’t have a major impact from that aspect.”
Earlier this year, the city entered into a one-year contract with Doug Whitney, who stepped in as building official in late-2014 when Dennis Schilling left for another position.
A structure allowing for both a $35 an hour wage plus a 75 percent commission on all permit fees came under scrutiny during the spring, with Kess suggesting that the city look to a new model for compensation and pointing to numerous other cities that have less expensive building permit compensation set-ups.
Other city officials have defended the compensation arrangement, noting that the building official is responsible for paying his own taxes, social security and other benefits.