Officials reached the decision after its former inspector, Glenn Smyth, informed officials he would resign Jan. 31.
By: Cynthia Williamson
WEST AMWELL The township will contract with the state for the services of a fire prevention inspector, the Township Committee has decided.
Officials reached the decision after its former inspector, Glenn Smyth, informed officials he would resign Dec. 31, which again left the township scrambling to fill the position.
Municipal Clerk Betty Jane Hunt said it’s been difficult to keep the part-time position filled, explaining there are few individuals living locally who are certified to do inspections. And there isn’t enough work to make it worthwhile for someone to travel a long distance to the job, she said.
Municipalities are required to do inspections either by hiring a qualified individual or contracting with a private service or the state.
"This is such a small position for us," she said.
Committee members were in agreement it makes sense to contract with the state, except the township can no longer waive the approximate annual $500 fee to inspect municipal-owned buildings.
The township wouldn’t be giving up any authority by going with the state but they would be "giving up responsibility," which would be a relief, Mrs. Hunt remarked.
"If it isn’t done right, the township is liable," she said.
Lambertville resident Michael Abrahms held the position for a short time prior to Mr. Smyth. Mr. Abrahms resigned due to a lack of time, Mrs. Hunt said.
The duties include fire inspections of public buildings and some classifications of commercial structures as well as smoke detection inspections when houses are sold. The contract became effective Jan. 1.
The township’s fire inspector and assistant building inspector Drake Rizzo would continue to do residential inspections, Mrs. Hunt noted. Mr. Rizzo does inspections on new construction while the state inspector checks existing buildings, she explained.
Not much would change for those needing the services of a fire inspector. Individuals still would go through the township for such things as scheduling an inspection or applying for a permit.
The state inspector would not receive a salary from the township. However, all money collected from fees and permits would go directly to the state.
Mayor Gary Bleacher and committee members Nance Palladino and Peter Buchsbaum voted in favor of using a state contractor and authorized Mrs. Hunt to make arrangements with the state.