Fire code compliance could cost Illinois Valley businesses
From our weekly issue dated December 16, 2009
An ordinance allowing for more inspections of commercial structures could be considered soon by the Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) Board of Directors.
Fire Marshal Jerry Schaeffer briefed the board on the proposal during its Thursday night, Dec. 10 meeting at district headquarters on Caves Hwy. He said that the intent is not to shut down any businesses, but added that some may have to spend money in order to achieve compliance with fire safety codes.
The proposed ordinance would develop a fee schedule for the inspections, which would cover part of the costs incurred through the process, he said. No such fee schedule currently is in place.
Board Chairman Sam Michel asked if the fees would be “reasonable.” Schaeffer responded that the proposal is based on figures from the city of Ashland Fire Dept., and could be adjusted if need be.
Most area businesses would be charged $32 per year for the inspections, Schaeffer said. He added that fees also could be instituted for noncompliance.
Schaeffer said IVFD will be “really generous, giving people the opportunity” to fix any compliance issues that the district might encounter.
Director Ron Humphfres said that the timing of the proposed ordinance could be bad, given the state of the local and national economy.
“A lot of businesses are struggling,” Humphfres said.
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Because the fee schedule would be established through an ordinance, Schaeffer said, the board would have input on its final version. He said that if a commercial structure is out of compliance and the building burns, then the district could be held liable, and that IVFD would offer educational advice to merchants prior to any enforcement.
Chief Harry Rich emphasized that the ordinance would have to go through public hearings. He said that there are “no means to really assess these people” which currently are out of compliance. He added that IVFD ultimately is charged with ensuring that buildings are safe for the public to occupy.
Rich said that the ordinance process will take between three and four months, and that he planned to check with the district legal counsel before proceeding further.
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