Permit fees may increase (05/08/07)

After nearly 10 years without change, fees for building permits and zoning changes are one step closer to going up.

Members of the Portland City Council voted on first reading Monday night to increase the fees, which haven't changed since 1998.

Some fees - including those for variance in use, special exceptions and sign permits - would double.

Milligan said the Jay/Portland Building and Planning Board met in January and voted to increase the fees.

The Jay County Commissioners also would have to approve the fee hikes.

If the changes are approved, all of the fees - except those for agricultural and other buildings that are exempt from the building code - would increase. Most would increase by $10, but some would double.

Also Monday, council members:

•Welcomed Jay County Development Corporation executive director Bob Quadrozzi.

He has been unable to attend city council and other meetings for several months while he has been battling cancer.

"It's certainly good to see our friend Bob Quadrozzi back in the saddle again," said Bruce Hosier, mayor of Portland.

"It's good to be back," Quadrozzi said. He thanked council members and the community for all of their cards and well wishes.

•Learned that Municipal Government Week in Portland will be next week. A free community cookout will be held Tuesday, May 15, behind city hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

•Voted to send a five-year tax abatement to the Portland Tax Abatement Advisory Committee to review.

Alphabet Inc.-Portland Division, 700 Industrial Park Drive, asked for a phase-in of new taxes on the purchase of new testing equipment. The machinery is expected to cost $707,934.

•Heard Hosier announce that he plans to speak with state officials about the possibility of creating a sidewalk for people to walk to the Wal-Mart Supercenter, 650 W. Votaw St.

He said council members and others are concerned that shoppers are walking along heavily-traveled Votaw Street to access the business. "We are very aware, very concerned," Hosier said.

•Voted on first reading to amend the city's weed control ordinance.

When property owners do not mow their grass and the city has to mow it, the owners are charged a mowing fee. If the fee is not paid, a lien is put on the property. This amendment would require liens to be recorded in the recorder's office.

Gibson asked if the lien would be recorded after each mowing or at the end of the season. Deputy clerk-treasurer Tina Paxson, who was filling in for clerk-treasurer Linda Kennedy, said it would be done after each mowing.

•Heard an update on the progress of the Industrial Park Drive street-widening project.

Hosier said much of the utility work is done, and the lift station has been moved. The places where the street has been cut are expected to be repaired today or Wednesday, he said.

•Voted to close a portion of Alexander Street on June 11-15.

The street will be closed between Main Street and an alley north of Evangelical Methodist Church, 930 W. Main St., for Vacation Bible School. The closure will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on those days.[[In-content Ad]]