HomeMy WebLinkAboutLicense Committee Minutes 03.28.1989j
M I N U T E S
1 Licensin COMMITTEE
Date March 28 1989 Time 4:30 p?m,
Place of Meeting Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman- Joe Bradley
Jim Flisrand
Ron Marshall
Cal Cumin
Bob Gauthier
OTHER'S PRESENT:
Peg Kamertel Rob Harris
Bob & Linda Erickson Bruce Teeters
Tom Frank
Camille T. Ventrell, Attorney
A quorum (3 or more) present, the following=action was taken
by the Committee:
Chairman Joe Bradley opened the meeting by explaining
the current licensing procedures: applicants, other than for
home occupations, undergo a police records check and a fire
inspection of their business premises.
Joe asked Mr. Tom Frank to state his complaints against
Equipment Finders, Inc. Mr. Frank said he did not want to
say anything at this time, because Equipment Finders, Inc.,
owners Bob and Linda Erickson had their lawyer in attendance
while Mr. Frank did not.
Jim Flisrand then described the complaints made by Mr.
Frank to his office, in regard to proper signing; wrongful
use of a temporary shed as an office; lack of restrooms for
employees; and, failure to obtain a state equipment dealer's
license. Jim stated that he has made trips to Equipment
Finders for inspection purposes, and that he found all signs
to be proper. As to the temporary shed, Jim said that it was
probably not covered under the building codes because it was
not being used as an office according to the Ericksons.
Mr. Erickson stated that he did use the shed to receive
phone calls and meet with customers in inclement weather.
The shed usually contains a card table, two chairs, and a
telephone. He also said he had done everything necessary
to secure his state license, and that he should be receiving
it in the mail within days.
Jim discussed whether buildings are necessary in order to
get a license. Laurel codes do not require a building and
neither do several other cities contacted by Jim, including
Billings. But, if an owner chooses to erect a building, then
it must comply with all codes.
Ron Marshall asked Jim about
Finders. Jim said he didn't know
would inspect it before the next
covered under the building code,
conformed or removed.
the loading dock at Equipment
anything about it, but he
council meeting. If it is
then it will have to be
Ron asked more questions about the building's being used
as an office. In response, Mr. Erickson promised the Committee
that he would have a real building in place, with restroom, by
June 1st. Mr. Erickson said he has been seeking a building
for some time, and that he would go through Jim for all
necessary inspections and permits. If an unavoidable delay
occurs in placing the new building, he would inform Jim before-
hand. Mr. Erickson also stated he has no employees at this
time.
Joe said that as long as a businessman shows he is working
to comply with all codes, then his usual procedure is to
cooperate before prosecuting. But, if Equipment Finders does
not place the new building by June 1st, then the Committee
should recommend that the old building be removed, or brought
into compliance by the same date. Ms. Ventrell, the Erickson's
attorney, said her clients would keep the City informed at
all times.
Mayor Gauthier related a complaint against another business,
George's Appliance. It appears that the business has been
closed for some time, and Joe said the appliances should be
removed.
Further discussions were had about catching code
violations and license abuses before a final license is issued.
Afterwards, Joe moved to recommend to the Council as follows,
which was seconded:
(1) That the City Building Official be appointed by
the Mayor to the License Committee;
(2) That all applicants be specifically instructed
upon the first contact with the City, usually
by Peg, that they absolutely must not open their
doors or conduct any business until a final
license is in their hands, and that the process
could take up to a month or so.
(3) That the City purchase business licenseyfo?i-mV s
in triplicate, so applicant can be made
responsible for contacting the City Fire
Marshall and setting up an inspection themselves.
The Fire Marshall wrNuld then sign off his copy after
the inspection and return it to the City.
Motion carried.
Page 2 Special Licensing Committee, March 28, 1989
Joe then moved to report to the Council the following
findings in regard to Equipment Finders, Inc., which was
seconded.
(1) On-site signs are not in violation, as inspected
by Jim.
(2) Loading dock may or may not have to comply with
codes. Jim will inspect it.
(3) Existing building is probably in violation of
codes, but action should be delayed based on
Mr. Erickson's promise to have a real building, all
in compliance, on site by June 1st.
(4) No bathroom's are necessary to a business like
this one if it has no employees.
Motion carried.
The Committee discussed putting together an information
packet for business applicant's, whereupon the meeting was
adjourned.
Re ectfully submitted,
Joe r dley,.Chairman