09-03-2019 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes September 3, 2019 Page 4 Councilmember Westgaard asked how often the fire department currently inspects all properties. Fire Chief Dickinson said the goal was every 2-3 years but inspections occur every 3- 4 years due to staffing levels. Ms. Fischer stated many businesses do not pull a permit and the goal is to improve upon this. It's important to know if the new business is compatible with the prior intended building use — both for safety and code enforcement. Councilmember Wagner was concerned this is just another hoop for new business owners to jump through. Fire Chief Dickinson stated the goal was not to hinder business growth but to keep business owners safe when they enter a new building. The fire code has already been adopted, just not the change in use. Councilmember Ovall asked how the change in use would be identified, especially within a retail space. Councilmember Wagner feared some businesses may see it as a threat and the city is trying to control them. Councilmember Ovall said the current process is challenging and can get hung up during inspections and permitting. Ms. Fischer stated a major cause of permit delays is due to incomplete or inaccurate applications and supporting documents. Councilmember Westgaard thought the fire department currently has the authority to go into any business for the purpose of knowing what is in that building. Fire Chief Dickinson stated they don't know if a building changed use between the 3-4 year inspection periods. Councilmember Westgaard asked if the city was complicating the business inspection process. He asked about having enough staff to do these new inspections. Fire Chief Dickinson will return with additional information. 10.3 Development Concept Review Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report. Jesse Hartung and Troy Siemers were in attendance to discuss their development concept. They were hoping for council's support of the project plan and a reduction E AtI IIi:URE