Minutes

City of Beacon Council Meeting

February 20, 2007

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

The regular meeting of the City of Beacon Council held at the Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza on February 20, 2007 at 7: 35 p.m. was called to order by Mayor Clara Lou Gould with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and a prayer by Pastor Tony Beck.

 

Council Members present:                               Lee Kyriacou, Elizabeth Foster, Charles Kelly, Phil Shea, Steve Gold, and Eleanor Thompson.

 

Also in attendance were:                                  City Attorney, Gerard Pisanelli

 

Excused:                                                          City Administrator, Joseph Braun

 

Media represented by:                                     Goldee Greene, Beacon Free Press

 

Residents at beginning of meeting:                  50

 

Public Hearing

 

1.  Deleting the Current Chapter 119 and Replacing it With a New Chapter Providing For the Administration and Enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.  Read by Mayor Clara Lou Gould.

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Beacon will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at the City of Beacon Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza, Beacon, New York at 7:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter is reached on the agenda, to consider a proposed local law to Delete Chapter 119 And Replace It With a New Chapter Providing For the Administration & Enforcement of the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.

 

This local law would take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.  Complete copies of the proposed local law are available at the Municipal Center for inspection during regular business hours.

 

All interested persons and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposals at the date, time and place aforesaid.

 

Public Hearing Comments:

 

Tim Dexter gave a brief explanation of this local law to the residents in attendance.

 

Stevens Evans:  I wish to express my support for the changes of this new legislation.  I think it is a great idea.

 

No further comments.

 

Motion to close Public Hearing:  Council Member Kelly.  Seconded:  Council Member Thompson.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

2.  Amending Chapter 11, Building Inspector, and Remaining the Chapter Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer.  Read by Mayor Clara Lou Gould.

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Beacon will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at the City of Beacon Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza, Beacon, New York at 7:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter is reached on the agenda, to consider a proposed local law to Amend/Rename Chapter 11, Building Inspector, of the Beacon City Code.

 

This local law would take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.  Complete copies of the proposed local law are available at the Municipal Center for inspection during regular business hours.

 

All interested persons and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposals at the date, time and place aforesaid.

 

Public Hearing Comments:  None

 

Motion to close Public Hearing:  Council Member Foster.  Seconded:  Council Member Gold.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Community Segment:  None

 

Mayor Clara Lou Gould asked for a motion to approve the Council Meeting Minutes for the following dates:

January 2, 2007

January 16, 2007

 

Motion to accept minutes as written:  Council Member Gold.  Seconded:  Council Member Foster.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Reports:  Text from the following reports for February 20, 2007 is at the end of these minutes.

 

Mayors Communications read by Mayor Clara Lou Gould.

City Administrator, Joseph Braun's Report of Activities read by Mayor Clara Lou Gould

City Attorney Report of Activities – 1st Meeting of the Month

Mayor Clara Lou Gould read her Report of Activities

Council members read their Reports of Activities

Alison E. MacAvery, County Legislator

Ron Ray, Dutchess County Legislator

 

First Opportunity for Public Comments:  Pertaining to This Agenda Only

 

This Memo from Roy Ciancanelli was addressed to Mayor Clara Gould and Human Relations Commission some years back regarding Spirit of Beacon Day:  A copy of this document was available to the residents who attended the February 20, 2007 Council Meeting:

 

Last year's attendance was estimated at about 5,000 people.

Just for information, a few years back during an election year several candidates appeared and wanted to march with the elected officials.  Gladys Bettina, who was Chairman at the time, let them know that was not allowed, but did allow them to march at the rear. Political signs were not allowed. This ruling included the County Executive who had a sign on the side of his car, which just listed his name, no message. He removed it.  At the time I didn't realize this was a long-standing policy of the Committee.

I didn't realize this was a long-standing policy of the Committee.

The Human Relations Commission left the picture sometime in the 1980's, and the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee has been in charge ever since.

 

SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY - HERE IS HOW IT BEGAN:

 

For a number of years, the students from the Beacon School System and the community were having some problems that had racial overtones. It was during the winter and early spring of 1977, that for several days and nights, racial problems became severe. The Sheriffs department was called into the community to help bring the situation under control. A community meeting was held at the Howland Library with the following present: Edward Schuler, local legislators, Dutchess County Youth Bureau, Mayor Robert Cahill, the Beacon City Council, representa­tives of the clergy and also agencies involved with youth. The evening was spent discussing the cause of the problems and perhaps ways to prevent them. Before the meeting closed, it was decided to meet again, but in smaller groups, and to open the meetings to everyone. Victor Russo, a representative from the F.B.L's Community Relations, also attended the meetings and spent a great deal of time talking to people and youth on the streets of the community trying to discover ways that the problems might be resolved.

At the smaller meetings, with representatives from the Mayor, City Council, Beacon School System, The Beacon Community Center (NSO), Howland Library, Chamber of Commerce, Dutchess County Youth Bureau, Concerned Citizen's Group - (Francis McNair), clergy and community people, lengthy discussions were held concerning the problem.

One of the positive things to come out of these meetings, were the creation of a "Community Day". This was to be a day to bring the city together, especially the children and youth. All were in agreement that the community should get to know one another better, learn to know what each other liked in conversation, feelings, entertainment, education and food. It was now the month of May, almost June, would there be enough time to get ready for a "Community Day" and what would it be called? The group thought it could be held the last Sunday in September on Main Street. Several names were discussed and it was finally decided to call it "Spirit of Beacon Day". It was to be a day when everyone would come together and attempt a better understanding of each other and the entire community.

In the fall of 1977, after a summer of planning, Seabury Lyons became Chairperson. The other committee members were: Patricia Hanna, Millie Melendez, Nan Whittingham and Barbara Verdesi. The group was committed to working together to make the first "Spirit of Beacon Day" a tremendous success!

Booths featuring food, crafts and exhibits from local organizations and agen­cies lined Main Street. A stage for entertainment was set up on South Brett and South Chestnut Streets. A parade led by the Mayor and City Council marched down Main Street. The committee had emphasized that all children and youth groups were welcomed to parade. They also stressed that it was not to be a day for politicking. Politicians seeking election were not to participate.

Pat Hanna, of the Rowland Library, served as Chairperson from 1978-1979. The next years saw more booths, more entertainment and more people marching in the parade. The day continued to grow and everyone was having a great time!

In 1978, the Mayor and City Council felt that the Spirit of Beacon Day should be sponsored by the Commission of Human Relations. Community representatives were still to serve on the committee.

Nan Whittingham, Director of the Beacon Community Center (NSO), chaired the committee from 1980-1984. Each year, all aspects of the parade have continued to grow. The community has caught the "Spirit"! It is a day when people from all backgrounds are able to talk and have fun together.

In 1981, the highlight of the day was the presentation of a plaque to Pete Seeger from the Commission of Human Relations. The plaque was in recognition of all the work Pete had done for the city of Beacon.

In 1985, Rey Lantiqua became chairperson. As the years have gone by, Spirit of Beacon Day has become a time that everyone looks forward to - a day to come together!

 

Tom Baldino's Comments read by Council Member Kelly regarding items on tonight's agenda"

 

Hi All:

I received a call last night from Charlie Kelly to ask me if I had plans of attending tonight's City Council Meeting.  I told Charlie that since the meeting was changed from Monday to Tuesday, I could not attend due to a training session up at New Paltz in promoting CleanMoney/CleanElections.  He proceeded to tell me about two items on the agenda for tonight that were of concern to him and wanted to ask for my support.  I asked him if he would read my position on the two items at the meeting and he said he would be glad to.

The first item has to do with the request of citizens for the installation of a bus shelter outside of their residences at the Forrestal Buildings complex.  I have heard Bill Shaw speak at two City Council meetings in response to this request by residents.  I have also heard residents speak about the way they were treated when they stepped into an entryway of one of the buildings to get out of the rain and cold when they were waiting for a bus.  I have also heard how the buildings are half empty due to lack of money to fix them up.  I have heard how Maureen Gallagher, board member on our public library, had such a hard time getting into one of the apartments that Governor Pataki had to intervene and use his influence to get the management to relent and allow this handicapped woman in.

Bill Shaw made some points that would appear to make the physical situation in front of the building unsuitable to house a bus shelter.  I don't know if his assessment is in fact accurate.  In listening to Mr. Shaw speak and in hearing stories from tenants I formed an impression of him as not having people skills nor the feeling of caring in his heart. It is a shame that whereas we are trying to provide more affordable housing in Beacon, that apartments that could be fixed up sit empty.  I don't know the in's and out's of federally subsidized housing, but I believe we may be able to get some information from a man that has worked in high positions at HUD

As to the bus shelter, my position is that no stone should go unturned in an attempt to get the residents of Forrestal Housing their protective bus shelter.  I would support a resolution that Charlie Kelly briefly outlined to me to have Joe Braun allotted three months to work with an independent lawyer to get to the bottom of how decisions are made regarding this federal project and what possible appeals can be made to ultimately allow the placement of a bus shelter. 

All of my support is dependent on proper engineering and safety studies.  If physical situational impediments can be overcome, I would urge the City to go ahead with a legal process that would result in getting the residents their wish.

The second item is the concern registered by an ad hoc committee that coordinates the Spirit of Beacon Day Parade.  I understand that the event was prompted by a feeling of everybody contributing and being honored on this day in a City that is represented by 50 different ethnic groups.

The committee chaired by Roy Ciccenelli from the beginning did not want the spirit of Beacon Day marred by contentious political activities.  I was disturbed to read that in Wappingers police had to be brought in on the day of their parade to break up the bickering between the two prominent parties.  With this possibility in mind, I can see why such behavior in our Spirit of Beacon Day Parade would run counter to the good feelings of residents that the parade was designed to promote.

After hearing Charlie Kelly's support of the presence of political parties in the parade, which consisted solely of a political group carrying a banner identifying the group, I could see no harm in any political group marching with the name of the group on a banner.  I would like to see the greens in the parade as well.

We live in a democracy; we have differing political philosophies. Different ethnic groups have different values, different foods, and different religions. Differences can have a positive side and influence.  If it turns out that political parties marching in the parade cannot refrain from political antagonism and be courteous to each other on that day, then I would agree with Roy Ciccenelli and his committee and ban them, and any other kind of group that promotes dissention on that day, from the parade.  Sincerely,

 

The following email from Gregory H. Strong, 48 DeSoto Avenue dated February 19, 2007 addressed to Mayor Clara Lou Gould regarding Spirit of Beacon Day. To:

 

Dear Honorable Mayor Gould:  I am a citizen of the City of Beacon, residing at 22 Mead Avenue.  I have recently been made aware that some in the city government are working to change how the Spirit of Beacon Day is organized, and more particularly, how the parade is organized.  I've been told that there is a group that would like to see the parade, and by default then, the day, turned into a political event.  I, amongst others though speaking only for myself, am opposed to this, and ask you to take any and all measures that may be available to you as Mayor to stop this movement, if that is the appropriate name for it.  The Spirit of Beacon Day, and the parade, is intended to bring the city together.  In today's political environment especially, the city would not, in my humble opinion, benefit from these changes.  No, I believe the politics should be left at the tables lining Main, not inserted into the parade, save for the spots reserved for the duly elected representatives of our City, County, State, and National governments.  If possible, I'd like this email entered into whatever official records will be made of the debate about this issue.  Thank you for your continued service to the City, and I am, Sincerely, Gregory H. Strong

 

Spirit of Beacon Committee Chairperson:  Rose Story read the following comments

 

The Spirit of Beacon Day has been an event that has pulled the City together for 29 years -since 1977! It's given our residents a chance to come together, to show off their pride in being City residents and encouraged others to see the best in our "fair" city. It's a day for the children of Beacon and it includes all our residents, from all ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds - coming together for one purpose - Unity.

It is in that context that we ask the Council not to pass the resolution before you this evening. This resolution interjects politics into an event that has steered clear of partisanship. It’s focus is on Unity.

We further believe that it is our right to choose which groups can or cannot participate in our parade and that it is not within the purview of the City Council to make that determination. The Spirit of Beacon Day is an event of a non-profit organization and not a City-run event.   We appreciate the support that we have received from City officials, including the current Mayor and City Council, and their predecessors, but this is still support and not control - and not financial support.

We realize political parties are part of the community and we have always given them the opportunity to set up booths.

It is for all these reasons that we ask the Council not to pass this resolution - to allow us to continue to present the "Spirit of Beacon" the way it should be - the residents of the City of Beacon coming together - all groups and all beliefs.

Sincerely,

Committee Members: Roy Ciancanelli Jr., Nan Whittingham, Bob Outer, Diane Sedore,

Romy Domoulin, Rev. Michael Dandridge and Rev. Ricardo Cortijo

 

Arlene Popkin, Lower Hudson Valley Civil Liberties Union: I was asked to come here to speak on the first amendment right of free expression.  The Council is free to express their feelings.  This is a private organization.  They also have a first amendment right to present their message as they see fit.  If anyone disagrees with this platform, they are free to do that on their own platform.  The Spirit of Beacon Day organizers can express their message on that day.  Not everyone needs to agree.  If they run that parade, it is their choice to run it the way that they see fit.

 

Beacon Resident:  I am here to comment on Spirit of Beacon Day.  Over the years this has become the best event that we have had in the Hudson Valley.  These people give their heart and soul to this parade.  One of the council members tells us that clubs should be able to participate.  Are we sugarcoating political parties as clubs?  This came about because someone wanted a banner and were turned down.  We never had a problem with this before.  Why is the Civil Liberties Union here tonight?  I don't understand why it is even on the table.

 

Nan Whittenham:  Spirit of Beacon Day started in 1977 by the citizens of Beacon.  They got together in this city of Beacon for this incident.  When you have to call in the state troopers to come into your city to man the streets that is pretty bad.  The citizens got together and wanted to do something good for the city.  It is for the children or the youth.  We are there to show the youth how we all get along.  It is not a political day.

 

John Mac Enroe, Director of State Relations - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:  You say it is not a political event and yet this organization is a lobbying organization.  You are here putting in your prospective.  We have in our primaries, 23% of our people show up to vote.  17% vote in school board elections.  60% show up for presidential elections.  We need to get people involved in politics.  What you did was awesome.  Whether you know it or not, you are a lobbying organization.  To exclude anyone is wrong.  To exclude a political party is wrong.

 

Dennis Pavelock, 34 Judson Street: I am here to support Spirit of Beacon Day Committee.  Over the last 29 years, I’ve support the civil liberties union.  I have a problem with the resolution to provide city funds.  Let's respect the Spirit of Beacon Day.

 

Randy Casale:  I have been here for fifty years.  I was here when Spirit of Beacon Day started.  Maybe the council should check it more carefully before they vote on this resolution.

 

Don Gallo:  We asked for volunteers to do good things for Beacon.  Unless it is a matter of health, let them do what they volunteer to do.  They have done a fantastic job every year.  They do not have a discriminatory bone in their bodies.  Some things should be devoid of politics.  Spirit of Beacon Day is about the people.  I want to thank the committee for the job they have done up to now.

 

Witfredo Morel: I do not live in Beacon but I am an artist and a volunteer for Spirit of Beacon Day.  I have been coming back for seven years.  All other communities look at this community.  This is a showcase community.  Many communities are struggling.  Beacon is a community promoting community.  The Hudson Valley is beautiful and Spirit of Beacon Day is one of the attractions.

 

John Foreman:  I'm here to support the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee.   It's disgraceful and a slap in the face for the people running this parade.  There are 364 other days that the political people can come and knock on doors.

 

Flora Jones:  I am grateful for those who work so diligently to make the Spirit of Beacon Parade the success that it is.  I think that the City of Beacon is preparing themselves for a law suit that will cost the taxpayers a great deal of money.  Because I believe that everything is political.  I will fight for each one of you.

 

The following letter was read by Kevin Konco of The American Legion Post 203 dated February 18, 2007 addressed to the mayor and council members regarding Spirit of Beacon Day

Dear Mayor & Council Members:

It is our understanding that an issue which involves the right of  non-governmental organizations to make decisions about participation in a citywide event. This issue is to come before the legislative body of the City of Beacon this Tuesday.

The issue at hand is whether the city council has the right to mandate a process for allowing or disallowing specific individuals or groups from participating in a citywide event. The Spirit of Beacon Day has been an annual event for some time. It is our understanding that volunteers organize, supervise, and coordinate activities for this community gathering on our Main Street. As a member of this community our organization has gladly participated in this event supplying a color guard and any activity our post is able to perform.  We do this under the direction of the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee and keep a communication line open with the Mayor and Council where appropriate.

It is surprising and difficult to understand how a political organization and a community minded committee cannot quietly meet and compromise to an agreed upon process that would benefit all those involved in this annual event It is further troubling that legislative action is required to mediate a difference of opinion and to control something that should be amicable in joining varied cultures together.

With the utmost of respect for the Human Relations Commission, we believe that the council is putting the HRC in a tenuous position for which it was not founded if the City determines that it knows best then it chances losing volunteers who save our city money, time, and togetherness that we all espouse.

We strongly urge the council and the HRC to consider each other's point of view and come up with a compromised solution that will benefit our entire city.

Hoping that the Beacon of Light that joins us together will shine in the common respect for all Beaconites.  We urge that an altruistic resolution be found to this issue today, tomorrow, and for many years.  God Bless America.

 

Roni Domoulen:  We have 365 days a year.  We only have one Spirit of Beacon Day.  People from all over come to Spirit of Beacon Day.  On that day, I forget about everything.  You have 364 Days to let people know who is running for office.

 

Anthony Beck:  If it ain't broke, don’t fix it.  Spirit of Beacon Day is not broke, so don't fix it.

 

Mike Justice:  I think that Partisan politics have no place in this parade.  The purpose of this parade is for people to come together.  I am surprised that this even came up in this council meeting.  There are so many real problems; the Spirit of Beacon Day is not a problem.

 

No further comments.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Resolutions:  None

 

Local Laws and Ordinances:

 

1.  Resolution No. 24 of 2007 - Local Law No.1 of 2007 Deleting the Current Chapter 119 and Replacing It With a New Chapter Providing For the Administration and Enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code

 

BE IT ENACTED by the City Council of the City of Beacon, in the County of Dutchess, as follows:

TITLE – Fire Prevention and Building Code, Uniform

SECTION 1.  PURPOSE AND INTENT

This local law provides for the administration and enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (the Uniform Code) and the State Energy Conservation Construction Code (the Energy Code) in this City. This local law is adopted pursuant to Section 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law. Except as otherwise provided in the Uniform Code, other state law, or other section of this local law, all buildings, structures, and premises, regardless of use or occupancy, are subject to the provisions this local law.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

In this local law:

“Building Permit” shall mean a permit issued pursuant to section 4 of this local law. The term “Building Permit” shall also include a Building Permit, which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this local law.

“Certificate of Occupancy” / “Certificate of Compliance” shall mean a certificate issued pursuant to subdivision (b) of section 7 of this local law.

“City” shall mean the City of Beacon.

“Code Enforcement Officer” shall mean the Code Enforcement Officer appointed pursuant to subdivision (b) of section 3 of this local law.

“Code Enforcement Personnel” shall include the Code Enforcement Officer and all Inspectors.

“Compliance Order” shall mean an order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to subdivision (a) of section 15 of this local law.

“Energy Code” shall mean the State Energy Conservation Construction Code, as currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.

“Inspector” shall mean an inspector appointed pursuant to subdivision (d) of section 4 of this local law.

“Operating Permit” shall mean a permit issued pursuant to section 10 of this local law. The term “Operating Permit” shall also include an Operating Permit, which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this local law.

“Permit Holder” shall mean the Person to whom a Building Permit has been issued.

“Person” shall include an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, business trust, estate, trust, association, or any other legal or commercial entity of any kind or description.

“Stop Work Order” shall mean an order issued pursuant to section 6 of this local law.

“Temporary Certificate” shall mean a certificate issued pursuant to subdivision (d) of section 7 of this local law.

“Uniform Code” shall mean the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, as currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.

SECTION 3. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND INSPECTORS

(a) The office of Building Inspector/ Code Enforcement Officer is hereby created (see also Chapter 11). The Code Enforcement Officer shall administer and enforce all the provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and this local law. The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) to receive, review, and approve or disapprove applications for Building Permits, Heating Permits, Plumbing Permits, Certificates of Occupancy / Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and Operating Permits, and the plans, specifications and construction documents submitted with such applications;

(2) upon approval of such applications, to issue Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy / Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and Operating Permits, and to include in Building Permits, Heating Permits, Plumbing Permits, Certificates of Occupancy / Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and Operating Permits such terms and conditions as the Code Enforcement Officer may determine to be appropriate;

(3) to conduct construction inspections, inspections to be made prior to the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy / Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and Operating Permits, fire safety and property maintenance inspections, inspections incidental to the investigation of complaints, and all other inspections required or permitted under any provision of this local law;

                (4) to issue Stop Work Orders;

(5) to review and investigate complaints;

(6) to issue orders pursuant to subdivision (a) of section 15 (Violations) of this local law;

(7) to maintain records;

(8) to collect fees as set by the City Council of this City;

(9) to pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings;

(10) in consultation with this City’s attorney, to pursue such legal actions and proceedings as may be necessary to enforce the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and this local law, or to abate or correct conditions not in compliance with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this local law; and

(11) to exercise all other powers and fulfill all other duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this local law.

(12)  He shall issue all appropriate notices or orders to remove illegal or unsafe conditions, to require the necessary safeguards during construction and to ensure compliance during the entire course of construction with the requirements of such laws, ordinances or regulations. He shall make all inspections which are necessary or proper for the carrying out of his duties, except that he may accept written reports of inspection from Deputy Building Inspectors or other employees of the Building Department or from generally recognized and authoritative service and inspection bureaus, provided that the same are certified by a responsible official thereof. 

(13) Whenever the same may be necessary or appropriate to assure compliance with the provisions of applicable laws, ordinances or regulations covering building construction, he may require the performance of tests in the field by experienced, professional persons or by accredited and authoritative testing laboratories or service bureaus or agencies. 

(14) He shall have the authority to impose administrative fees for violations of the Code of Ordinances that relate to permits issued by the Building Department pursuant to the schedule of administrative fees set forth in § 11-5 below.  

(15) He shall examine into the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licenses under Chapter 103 or of the representatives of such applicants designated for such purpose. He shall grant and issue licenses as master electricians to applicants possessing, or whose representatives possess, the requisite qualifications. Licenses shall be signed by the Building Inspector and countersigned by the Mayor.

(16) He shall suspend or revoke licenses for cause, as prescribed in § 103-28. He shall impose and collect fines for violations, as prescribed in § 103-28.

(17) He shall adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary, not inconsistent with the provisions of Chapter 103, with respect to the form and content of applications for licenses, the reception thereof, the investigation and examination of applicants and their qualifications and other matters incidental or appropriate to the powers and duties of this office in regard to its administration of Chapter 103.

(18) He shall examine into the plumbers' qualifications and fitness of applicants for licenses or of the representatives of such applicants designated for such purpose. He shall grant and issue licenses as master plumbers to applicants possessing, or whose representatives possess, the requisite qualifications. Licenses shall be signed by the Building Inspector and countersigned by the Mayor.

(19) He shall suspend or revoke plumbers' licenses for cause. He shall impose, and the City Administrator shall collect, fines for violations of said licenses.

(20) He shall prepare a manual for the conduct of examinations and shall furnish copies thereof to persons desiring the same upon payment of a fee to be determined by the Building Inspector.

(21) He shall adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary with respect to the form and content of applications for plumbers' licenses and the reception thereof, the investigation and examination of applicants; their qualifications and other matters incidental or appropriate to the powers and duties of this office in regard to the administration of plumbing licenses.

(22) He shall file a copy of all rules, regulations so promulgated and all changes therein with the City Administrator immediately upon the adoption thereof, which copy shall be available for public inspection during the regular business hours of the day.

(b) The Code Enforcement Officer shall be appointed pursuant to Chapter 11. The Code Enforcement Officer shall possess background experience related to building construction or fire prevention and shall, within the time prescribed by law, obtain such basic training, in-service training, advanced in-service training and other training as the State of New York shall require for code enforcement personnel, and the Code Enforcement Officer shall obtain certification from the State Fire Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated there under.

(c) In the event that the Code Enforcement Officer is unable to serve as such for any reason, an individual shall be appointed by the Mayor to serve as Acting Code Enforcement Officer. The Acting Code Enforcement Officer shall, during the term of his or her appointment, exercise all powers and fulfill all duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this local law.

(d) One or more Inspectors may be appointed pursuant to Chapter 11 to act under the supervision and direction of the Code Enforcement Officer and to assist the Code Enforcement Officer in the exercise of the powers and fulfillment of the duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this local law. Each Inspector shall, within the time prescribed by law, obtain such basic training, in-service training, advanced in-service training and other training as the State of New York shall require for code enforcement personnel, and each Inspector shall obtain certification from the State Fire Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated there under.

(e) The compensation for the Code Enforcement Officer and Inspectors shall be fixed from time to time in accordance to Chapter 11.

SECTION 4. BUILDING PERMITS.

(a) Building Permits Required. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b) of this section, a Building Permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof, and the installation of a solid fuel burning heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit, the installation or modification to an automatic fire-extinguishing system, fire alarm or detection system and related equipment, fire pump and related fuel tanks, jockey pumps, controllers, and generators, and the installation or modification  of a stand pipe system.  Maintenance performed in accordance with the applicable code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.  No Person shall commence any work for which a Building Permit is required without first having obtained a Building Permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.

(b) Exemptions. No Building Permit shall be required for work in any of the following categories:

(1) construction or installation of one story detached structures associated with one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) which are used for tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 144 square feet (13.88 square meters);

(2) installation of swings and other playground equipment associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);

(3) installation of swimming pools associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) where such pools are designed for a water depth of less than 24 inches and are installed entirely above ground;

(4) installation of fences, which are not part of an enclosure surrounding a swimming pool;

(5) construction of retaining walls unless such walls support a surcharge or impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids;

(6) construction of temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery;

7) installation of window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);

(8) installation of partitions or movable cases less than 5'-9" in height;

(9) painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work;

(10) installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances;

(11) replacement of any equipment provided the replacement does not alter the equipment’s listing or render it inconsistent with the equipment’s original specifications; or