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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, November 26, 2012 <br />7:00 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br /> Page 8 of 12 <br /> <br />(9. 2013 FEE SCHEDULE, Continued) <br /> <br />Loftus stated the first step in the process is that Staff and the resident will attempt to work through the <br />disagreement. If no agreement is reached, the next step is to appeal the decision in writing to the City <br />Council. Loftus noted the agenda is reserved for City business and that the residents are told that if they <br />want a formal response from the Staff and the Council, they should submit something in writing to the <br />City outlining their issues. Loftus indicated that helps keep the process orderly and helps the Council in <br />making informed decisions. <br /> <br />Rahn stated clearly the person who spoke during Public Comments was appealing a Staff decision. Rahn <br />stated his point is that the Council wants to hear from residents when they feel things are not right and <br />there should not be a fee. <br /> <br />McMillan stated in her view $100 is too high and that perhaps it should be lowered. McMillan indicated <br />she would still like to have some kind of process in place and have Staff review it thoroughly before it <br />comes to the City Council. <br /> <br />Rahn stated in his view there should be no fee and that there needs to be a method in place to hear both <br />sides. Rahn stated it is likely the City will find more individuals willing to work with Staff rather than <br />come before the City Council. Rahn stated in his opinion a large number of appeals will not be triggered <br />by not charging a fee. <br /> <br />Rahn stated as it relates to the building permit fee, the minimum fee is $25. The other fees for plumbing, <br />mechanical, and electrical are $50 and that in his view a $50 fee should be the bare minimum. Rahn <br />stated in his view the City should recoup their costs for sending an inspector out and that he is not sure <br />why those types of fees are not all the same. <br /> <br />Vee noted the tent and canopy permit and inspection is done by the Fire Chief and not city staff. <br /> <br />McMillan stated that fee is also relatively new. <br /> <br />Rahn recommended those types of fees be the same at $50. Rahn stated he also is not aware of a zoning <br />certificate of occupancy being issued without a building permit. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated when the use of a building is changed, the City needs to do an inspection or review. <br /> <br />Rahn noted the state building code requires a building permit for a change in use. Rahn stated in his <br />opinion that situation would never occur. <br /> <br />Gaffron indicated he will check into it. <br /> <br />Rahn stated in his view it could be omitted. If there is a change in use, a planner will visit the site rather <br />than the building inspector. The state building code also requires a building permit for a change in use <br />and that it is not likely that situation will ever occur. <br /> <br />As it relates to residential docks, Page 7, Rahn indicated in his view that is also a duplication of the efforts <br />of the Watershed District and that he does not see the need for the fee. <br /> <br />McMillan stated it was her understanding that the residential dock fee was going to be removed. <br /> <br />Item #04 - CC Agenda - 12/10/2012 <br />Approval of Council Minutes 11/26/2012 [Page 8 of 12]