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Workshop of 7/24/2018
July 27th, 2018
Carroll Board of Selectmen
Workshop
July 24, 2018
“These minutes of the Town of Carroll Select Board have been recorded by its Secretary. Though believed to be accurate and correct they are subject to additions, deletions and corrections by the Select Board at its next meeting when the Board votes its final approval of the minutes. They are being made available at this time to conform to the requirements of New Hampshire RSA 91-A:2.”
Minutes recorded by Maryclare H. Quigley, Secretary
Board members present: David A. Scalley, Brian P. Mycko, Bonnie J. Moroney.
Members of the public present: Wayne Mycko, Patricia Mycko, Imre Szauter, Jeremy Oleson, Michael Hogan, Dianne Hogan
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Chairman Scalley.
Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Scalley announced the Workshop was for a discussion about the Building Inspector, Building Permits and Fee structure. He went on to say it’s also about where the Board would like to go with it. He said they have to work on the fees as it’s disconcerting that a garage valued at $150,000 can be built for a Permit fee of $50, while a minor home repair; i.e. replacing a few boards on steps or replacing a small window requires a fee of $75, in some cases more-costly than the project itself.
Selectman Moroney spoke about the Building Inspector and about David Scalley being busy and doing too much. She also spoke of concerns she’s heard about Mr. Scalley doing his own buildings. Mr. Scalley said he would be willing to continue doing the job and he could use Dave Wiley from Bethlehem for homes he’s doing but for commercial work, he would like to continue using the State for inspections, which he has been doing. He said he has a residence on Grandpa Harry’s and would have Dave Wiley do that. He said Mr. Wiley will go and inspect and if he can’t get there right away, he will take pictures of the work for him. This has been an acceptable solution in the industry right along.
Mr. Scalley said he is in the process of restructuring his company in Massachusetts and so he won’t be traveling as much as he has been. He said he can be flexible and can meet with most people when they call and has been trying to do this right along.
Selectman Moroney spoke of visibility of progress on projects and wondered about a Web location. Fire Chief Jeremy Oleson said maybe we could do something with our GIS; such as a calendar or something to keep track of permits, inspections, etc., that would be accessible to all departments. It was noted that there had been talk about setting up reminders on permit expiration dates which could be followed up as the time nears. Mr. Scalley said he is also working setting up a duplicate system of some sort so a carbon copy could be made when inspections are done, as a way to keep track. He said he currently takes pictures of the cards when inspections are noted as a way of tracking. When asked, Mr. Scalley said a Building Permit is good for one year, unless it is extended, which he said he has done with several as he knows things can happen and he wants to work with the owners. Selectman Moroney suggested adding to the application the length of time for which the Permit is good. Mr. Scalley said we are still tweaking the application form as there are some things on it that don’t apply to most, so he wants to move them to a different place and some things need to be added.
Mr. Scalley spoke about adjusting the fees and said if the Board is okay with several working on the fees; most likely himself, Chief Oleson and the Office Staff, he would like to set up a meeting and then bring the results to the Board. He said we are quite low compared to many other areas, but he also wants to look at a minimum value after which we would charge a fee.
Mr. Scalley and Chief Oleson concurred that we have to educate the public better where life safety issues are concerned that they aren’t doing anything, project-wise, that will hurt them or any personnel in the case of an emergency; and which is part of the permitting process.
Mr. Scalley noted we are following the IBC now on figuring the square-foot price and about what does not require a permit. We use a lower price than that which most use. He said he feels most of the IBC pricing is above and beyond most of what is done here, though for the most part it is compatible with what is being done in Bretton Woods and Ledgewood. Selectman Moroney with Selectman Mycko agreeing, said this is similar to what the Planning Board is being encouraged to do by Tara Bamford in their review and updating of the Zoning Ordinance: to use State and Federal rules and regs, thus we can use their RSA’s and not have to keep changing them. It makes things more uniform and clearer to defend if needed. It was noted that we already follow and enforce the State Fire Code. Mr. Scalley said he feels the Building Inspector should have some flexibility for leniency as it can be hard to charge the minimum fee of $200 for a commercial permit for very minor work. He said he will work on restructuring the fee schedule also.
Getting people to call for inspections at the appropriate times is a problem but it is getting better, Mr. Scalley said. He also said we want to encourage people to pull permits, and we don’t want the fee to scare them away. A brief discussion of number of inspections ensued and if it is possible to estimate the number per project or permit. There is a checklist on the permit card and Mr. Scalley reiterated he hopes to have a carbon system for when the card is not available.
Guidelines for road or driveway inspections also came up and it was stated we will be looking at these as they may be built or changed. It was also noted the driveway fee should be raised as it was thought to currently be $25 or $50, and it costs at least $100 to the Town to add one to our records. Mr. Scalley said whatever we do in any of our fee structures is to be sure that we are being fair across the board.
As there was no further discussion, Selectman Moroney made a Motion to end the workshop and Chairman Scalley seconded. the Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Scalley declared it over at 6:51 p.m.