City of Rock Falls Building Code Committee met March 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
Members; Also Attended:
Ald. Brian Snow - Chair p; Mayor Wescott
Ald. Lee Folsom; Clerk Arduini p
Ald. Rod Kleckler p; Administrator Blackert p
Chris King; Alderman Reitzel P
Sally Scanlan p;
Mark Searing;
I.Call to order @5:15 p.m.- Chairman Snow
Discussion- Meeting was called to order at 5: 15 pm
Plan of Action- Meeting begins at 5:15 pm
2.Audience Requests
Discussion- none
3.Approve minutes of the Approved February 1st,2017 meting
Discussion- The minutes were reviewed by the committee.
Plan of Action- Minutes Approved
4. Old Business: a.Adoption of 2015 International Codes.
Discussion- Whiteside County is still working towards the adoption of the 2015 IntI. Codes. The process should be finished in May.
Plan of Action- Tabled
b.Review of swimming pool ordinance revisions.
Discussion- The Committee went through the proposed Ordinance supplied by Inspector Searing. Mr. Searing informed the committee that he had removed all of the "soft-sided pool" language, and anything over 24" in height would need a permit. Any pool over 24" high will also need to be fenced. Alderman Kleckler inquired about the 4ft. walk around requirement, and that would be for an in ground concrete pool. Alderman Snow reminded the committee that there are violators putting up soft sided pools in front yards. Mr. Snow asked if there have been any drowning incidents with the current laws. The new ordinance should have a timeline spelling out the dates that soft sided pools are allowed to be left up. Alderman Kleckler mentioned that when permitted they can be inspected, and the owners will be informed about how to install them correctly. Permits will be required regardless of the cost of the pool. Alderman Kleckler asked if there will be any grandfathering for current owners. The City attorney will be asked if that is appropriate.
Plan of Action- The Committee recommends that the draft Ordinance be sent to the City Attorney to be revised with the grand fathering question, and sent to the Ordinance Committee for approval.
c.Abandoned property registration
Discussion- Inspector Searing suggests that the registration be set at $300 for the first time $250.00 for the second time, and a $150 inspection fee a building is abandoned after 90 days. The owner along with registering will need to submit a plan for the building. Sally Scanlan informed the committee that the banks need 120 days to begin foreclosures. Alderman Kleckler wanted to know the definition of an unoccupied building. It is a building that lacks the habitual presence of human beings that have a legal right to be on the premises. Mrs. Scanlan informed the committee about the difficulty to evict squatters. The committee discussed the cost of insuring an abandoned property.
Plan of Action- Tabled: The Committee will review the regulations and come back with their thoughts.
d.Mowing liens discussion
Discussion- The committee discussed the properties which are being mowed, may have a value of$5000, and currently may have $8000 in liens. The committee would like to examine the ordinance and find out if discretion could be used on a case by case basis and chose not to lien certain properties that will only cost the City money.
Plan of Action- Tabled: The ordinance will be reviewed and modified if necessary and brought back for review.
6. New Business: a.Review of hearing officer contract.
Discussion- The committee reviewed the Hearing officer contract with Tim Slavin. The contract is an increase of $75 per hearing to $725.00. Sally Scanlan asked about the quantity of cases being heard.
Plan of Action- The committee recommends to the Council for approval.
7.Committee Member items
Discussion- Alderman Kleckler asked about the mowing and demolition bids. Insp. Searing said that the mowing bids will be opened on 3-17-2017, and the demolition bid has not yet been set.
Plan of Action- No action
8.Adjournment
Discussion- With nothing else for the good of the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 6:03 pm
Plan of Action- Meeting ends at 6:03 pm
http://www.rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2017_agendas_and_minutes/2017_committees_boards_and_commissions/building_code_committee/2017_building_code_minutes/03-01-2017-Building-Code-Committee-Minutes.pdf
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