From left: Ken Andersen, Marianne Anderson and Will Heinisch of FOCUS DeKalb
UPDATED: FOCUS DeKalb, a consortium of local property owners, commercial tenants, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and professionals is conducting a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at the Red Roof Inn (formerly Best Western Inn) 1212 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb from 6pm – 8pm to discuss the Proposed Commercial Building Inspection Program and alternative solutions.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend and ask questions.
FOCUS DeKalb is concerned with the continued unfriendly policies and procedures coming from the City of DeKalb. The sweeping changes first publicly introduced for consideration at a Committee of the Whole meeting on August 25, 2014 and then formally introduced as an action item of the September 8, 2014 regular city council meeting and was recommended by staff for approval.
The city staff recommended passing the ordinance as presented. There was no public hearing, no stakeholder input and no rational relationship justification. Claiming the proposal was “revenue neutral” the costs to property owners was dismissed with a statement that those costs would be determined after council approved the measure.
The former city clerk who recently resigned due to too many obstacles put in her way to doing her job has stated that the city council discussed matters related to the proposed ordinance and amendments during closed sessions.
The City Manager has twice declined FOCUS DeKalb’s request for a formal public hearing on this matter.
As a result FOCUS DeKalb is proposing a research based solution to address life, safety and health issues alleged by the City of DeKalb.
Highlights include:
- Mandatory 24 hour contact information for building registration
- Annual Building Reports and Open Meeting Act Requirements
- Emergency Responders immediate Access Guaranteed
- Inspection programs in a neutral and fair manner
- Inspection Warrants shall be based on Probable Cause
- Citizens Board for Independent Review Process
- City can only terminate water for non payment of water bill.
- Government buildings not exempted and held to same standards.
FOCUS DeKalb seeks input from all citizens and businesses on this proposal and are hosting several hearings for comments on the ordinance, the first one is next Wednesday night at the Red Roof Inn in DeKalb at 6:00 pm.
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