Building Department

[hqrt48]

Is the building department now under the fire department? if so I looked on the fire department website and there was like no information for ANYTHING just a whole bunch of blank pages and irrelevant info?

[lynn]

The building and code enforcement is still part of Community development
so when you go to the website
click on "building and code" under community development
and there is a note that they are physically located at the Fire dept.

Fire is obviously working on developing their website

[worksintown]

The building and code enforcement is still part of Community development
so when you go to the website
click on "building and code" under community development
and there is a note that they are physically located at the Fire dept.

Fire is obviously working on developing their website

I could be wrong, but I believe the FD is now directly in charge of the building department.

[Tom Mahon]

The Building and Health Departments are under the supervision of the Fire Chief. The functions have been located to the Fire Department, First Floor, since last week. There is a connection on the front page of the Town of Merrimack web site with the new phone numbers and such. Planning and Zoning Functions still in Town Hall.

[MMK]

So what prompted this change, Mr. Mahon?

[lynn]

There have been quite a few discussions both at the Town Council level as well as planning board and ZBA.
it came down to a lot of the inspection function overlapped with fire and the cross training of personnel
between fire and building made more sense to situate it at the fire station under Fire and let community development
focus on development.

[MMK]

So efficiency is the stance?

It just seems fishy that we would lose two building inspectors, a LONG seated planning board chairman, and others over efficiency. . . .

[dgyakuboff]

Times Change...

For some time now, the PB Chair has been saying its time to step down and prepare others for the challenge. He has been there for many years, and he deserves a break. Mr Disco is a true volunteer for his community. I do not know of many that have given the time he has.

One of the building inspectors wanted to start up a business down south with a long time friend of his.

The other building inspector wanted to retire for the second time. Maybe he wants to go fishing?

The are several advantages for the move due to how the inspection process runs. There is a cost savings as well.

There is nothing fishy, its just the timing of what and when people choose to do at any given time. I have spoke to many contractors who say that it is working better than it ever has, and thats with us utilizing an outside inspector until the positions are filled. This appears to be a win - win situation for everyone that I have spoken with. I hope that this info helps.

Dave Yakuboff

[lynn]

and we did not LOSE "a long seated Planning Board Chairman"

Nelson is still on the board, he just chose to give another member the opportunity
of learning how to lead the PB while he is still there to give guidance. A very astute
move on his part.

[munkyMcgee]

From what I've heard, the move of putting the building dept under the fire dept makes a lot of sense. Perhaps fiscally. Perhaps for efficiency. But definitely to improve what was a terrible relationship between planning/zoning admin/inspectors and business owners. Ask any business owner in this town who has had to build something... absolute nightmare. Two of my local business acquaintances once asked for guidance in navigating waters ruled by an over-zealous lead inspector. The stance was "ok, so you want to build something, well let's just see you try". You can't make progress in a town like that.

For my own businesses, I always viewed planning and building departments as helpful in other towns I've developed in. I had a goal of building something; they were there help. It just wasn't the same experience here. Quite the opposite.

While all that is water under the bridge now, this change should be good news for businesses.