Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
BY DAN SPALDING,Times-Union Staff Writer
LEESBURG - Commissioner Brad Jackson expressed support for establishing a building commissioner and an obscenity ordinance during a special meeting Thursday.
The northern district representative made the comments during a public meeting he hosted in Leesburg.
The meeting was intended to generate debate on issues facing Kosciusko County officials.
Proposals for a building inspector have surfaced in the past, but many officials view it as a form of government intrusion.
Jackson said he supports hiring a building commissioner that would be paid for by permit fees. Those fees for new home construction would likely range from $100 to $150, he said.
While many counties employ an inspector who reviews new construction and provides a certificate of occupancy when a home is completed, Kosciusko County does not.
Some people in the audience questioned the need. One suggested home buyers be responsible for the inspections. But others pointed out that a low level of continuing shoddy construction goes unchecked regularly.
One person questioned if anyone has died as a result of shoddy construction, but one builder pointed out that he regularly comes across new projects that result from original construction that did not meet minimum state requirements.
Jackson noted that no new ordinances are needed and that the building commissioner would be enforcing laws already established by the state.
Some of the strongest opinions came from those who felt the position would be another layer of government.
A builder responded by saying: "I don't think government would protect everybody from everything, but unfortunately, not everybody has common sense."
Jackson, cautioning that he too opposes government bureaucracy, said he believes that government is correct in assuring that new homes meet minimum building standards.
In another issue, Jackson said the county will consider an ordinance that would strictly limit sexually explicit bookstores and topless dance clubs in commercial areas within the county. However, the ordinance would prohibit such businesses from locating near schools, churches and child care centers.
The ordinance would encompass unincorporated areas of the county and would not affect the topless bar in downtown North Webster.
The ordinance would be constructed in a manner in which potential businesses would look elsewhere to locate, Jackson said.
Neither suggestion has been officially proposed, but both are likely to surface this summer.
On another issue, Jackson said calls about junk cars represent the most numerous complaints he has received since taking office as the northern district commissioner six months ago.
Jackson asked whether a stricter ordinance is needed. Most people suggested current ordinances need to be enforced.
A representative of the area plan office said they investigate junk car complaints, but for any action to be taken, the vehicle has to be unlicensed, even if it is missing tires. Normally, the office doesn't act on a complaint if it involves just one vehicle.
One woman said attorneys working for the county need to file more complaints against owners of junk cars instead of just making threats.
