Increased fee ordinance fails 4-3

Building, planning and fire fees and permit costs will not be increasing in Brainerd.

The Brainerd City Council on Monday voted 4-3 against increasing permit fees.

Council member Bob Olson was absent. With the vote tied at 3-3 - council members Anne Nelson Fisher, Bonnie Cumberland and Lucy Nesheim were in favor of the fee increases; council members Kelly Bevans, Mary Koep and Kevin Goedker were against - Mayor James Wallin cast the deciding vote against.

In voting in favor of the proposed fee increases, Cumberland said they were a way for the city to generate revenue in light of the many budget cuts already made.

Cumberland said the fees were user fees, not the raising of taxes.

"They will generate some funds," Cumberland said. "But also it appears, from what we've heard in the past, this is a true cost recovery for inspections."

Goedker said the fees will hurt people who can least afford to make such improvements.

"To me this will discourage the kind of improvements we want to see," Goedker said.

Goedker also said staff is being paid to perform the services.

Cumberland offered to work with staff to pare down the list to something more acceptable for the council, but the council took no action Monday. Koep said that discussion could be part of the upcoming budget discussions.

City Attorney Tom Fitzpatrick said if the council again takes up the proposed fee increases, members should keep in mind that fees are not a revenue generator but are used to offset costs. No staff will directly benefit from a fee increase, he said.

City Planner Mark Ostgarden asked that planning items, which haven't been changed in years, be separated from the ordinance. After the council's vote against, he suggested the council also look at eliminating certain sign fees, which do little more than use up staff time.

The list of proposed changes in permit fees included:

Residential re-roof - an increase from $35 to $100.50.

Re-siding - increase from $70 for residential and commercial to $100.50 for residential and based on valuation with a $75.50 minimum for commercial.

New permit fees proposed:

Residential plumbing - $150.50 based on three inspections. In another section, the fee is based on valuation.

Commercial plumbing - based on valuation with a $150.50 minimum. In another section, the fee is based on valuation with a minimum of $150.50 based on three inspections.

Pylon signs, towers, retaining walls, etc. - based on valuation.

Residential window and door replacement - $50.50 for one unit plus $15 for each additional unit.

Commercial window and door replacement - based on valuation with a $75.50 minimum.

Basement finishes - based on valuation.

Re-inspection - $50 per inspection.

Investigations - $50 per hour, with a $50 minimum.

Additional field plans/office time - $50 per hour with a $50 minimum.

Planned unit development - $500.

Permanent sign, portable sign, home business, interim use, administrative and lot division/boundary adjustment permits - $25.

Fence - $15.

Site plan review - for one and two family new and additions is $25, for multiple family new and additions is $50, and non-residential new and additions is $100.

Subdivision ordinance - $20.

Zoning ordinance - $30.

Zoning maps - large is $15, small is $5.

Installation or removal of fire suppression systems; fire alarms, monitoring and related systems; above ground tanks for flammable or combustible liquids, gas or any hazardous material - $100.

Installation of spray booths or spray areas; smoke removal systems; storage of explosives, black powder and blasting agents; use of explosives; firework sales, displays and pyrotechnic special effect materials; carnival and fairs; exhibition and trade shows; and temporary membrane structures, tents and canopies - $100.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.