03/21/1995 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Counci[ Minutes of 3/21/95 emergency calls a year, averaging 40 1/2 per month. The legislation was amended by removing Section 3, e, which was a charge for disposable supplies and the billing time was increased to 90 days from 30 days. Mr. Musial, who cast the dissenting committee vote against Ordmance 95-7, reported: First, he has no problem with the general philosophy and the increase in fees prepared by Mr. Conway. He agrees with the fee increase on new construction, but does not agree with the fee increase for repair of existing homes, He believes the city should encourage home repairs by keeping the fees as low as possible. Second, it was his understanding that consideration would be given to changing the term "contract price" to "construction costs", which would be the purchase price less the land cost and eliminating the cost of appliances. Third, he would like insurance that the fee for satellite dishes will not apply to the new 18-inch satellite dues. Mr. McKay replied to Mr. Musial's report: 1) The committee felt that rate increases for residents doing repair work were justified because the rates are based on inspections. More inspections are required when homeowners themselves do a job than when a professional contractor does a job. A user's fee should be paid by the person using the service. The proposed fee increases would put North Olmsted in the middle range of area communities, with two cities charging higher fees and one with lower fees. Mr. Conway, who is an excellent Building Commissioner with a good deal of experience, spent a lot of time researching the rates and the majority ofthe committee supports the proposed rates. Mayor Boyle made additional comments: 1) The statement in the Finance report concerning the advisability of not borrowing for capital improvements at this time should be further explained. Council and the administration recently met with the underwriters and bond counsel to determine how much money the city can comfortably borrow in order to continue with capital improvements--especially the street repair program On or about April 15, bond counsel and the underwriters will make their report. At that time, the determination of which streets will be repaired this year will be made. The repair list includes a number of streets, including Beech, Ambour, Alexander and Frank. No streets have been taken offthe list at this time. 2) With regard to the increase in building inspection fees, it is important to remember that the city created a Community Reinvestment Area to allow tax abatement grants for home improvements. Although there are fees for repairs/additions to existing homes, the home- owner also has the right to apply for tax abatement. If rt costs $100 to do an inspection and the fee charged is only $10 or $20, then everyone in the community must share the cost, even though they receive no benefit. A user fee should be paid by the person receiving the benefit. Mrs. Saringer commented on Ordinance 94-148, which provides for non-resident fees for emergency medical service and ambulance transportation. 1) She would like the title to say that the fee is for non-residents only, and she would like a definition of not resident as there is some confusion if it includes a visitor to the city. Also, she would like the _, , question of mutual aid to other cities clarified. Mr. McKay said that the committee had ~, 5