05/14/1997 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Planning & Zoning Board May 14, 1997 Page 19 correctly. A cross check on performance is needed before there are serious problems. Mr. Wessel stated that contractor performance is an ongoing problem. He stated that he will forward the Board's concerns to the City Engineer. Mr. Brixius noted that cities that have few staff sign off on grading at the time of the final plat. When the house is built, excavation has to be worked into the site. One community has made it the responsibility of the property owner to verify final grading. The occupancy permit is another check point. Mr. Robinson stated that it starts when the cement is put in. If it is too low, the whole house sits too low. He believes it is the responsibility of the builder, not the homeowner. Chair Schaps stated that the City has leverage with repeat developers and builders. It is important for them to know that if the work is not done according to the specifications, they will not get the next bid. Mr. Wessel stated that he would ask the City Engineer to bring this issue as a discussion item to the next meeting. Mr. Dunn stated that grading is a big concern, as it is potentially dangerous and damaging to residents. He noted that many project approvals carry from one to 15 stipulations. Those stipulations need to be audited to find out how well contractors are performing, and that includes grading. Lack of staff is not an excuse, and perhaps this is the basis for hiring more staff. He requested that Chair Schaps address a note to the City Council to make them aware of the Board's concern. Mr. Wessel stated that operational and policy issues need to remain separate. He does not believe the issue is lack of staff, and he would like the City Engineer to respond directly to the Board to see what steps may be appropriate. It was the consensus of the Board to request the City Engineer to report on performance standards of construction contractors as a discussion item at the next meeting. Ms. Dahl asked if the public meeting the following evening would be televised. She noted that most people have VCR's and can tape the meeting to watch later. Mr. Wessel answered, no. However, a request has been submitted to the Council for professional minutes of the meetings. He agreed to also ask the City Administrator whether it would be appropriate to televise the meetings.