Commission gives OK to inspect remodeling project

The Cape Girardeau County Commission gave the OK on Monday for the city of Jackson to do safety inspections on a current remodeling project though the commission maintains that the city has no jurisdiction over county buildings.

The county is remodeling the old sheriff's department offices connected to the jail at the corner of Washington and High streets. The renovation is being made for the public defenders' offices.

Jackson fire chief Brad Golden approached the commission Monday morning about performing inspections, citing concerns for firefighters, the public defender office employees and members of the general public who would use the building.

City inspectors looked over the building Monday afternoon and found some areas of concern.

Janet Sanders, the city's planning and building superintendent, said after Monday night's Jackson Board of Aldermen meeting that she had not received the inspector's reports but "there are probably some items that need to be addressed."

The commission agreed with Golden's concerns and to opening the building up for inspection.

"He had some questions about fire safety, and we have no problem with that," Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones said. "If there is a safety issue, we'll straighten it out. I don't care. It's no big deal. It's just a fact that the city of Jackson doesn't have any authority over us."

Who's in chargeThere has been some disagreement between the city and the county over what authority the city has with regard to inspections and permits. The disagreement dates back several years to when the city of Jackson charged the county more than $8,000 in permit fees for the jail and archive center construction. After paying the fees, the county discovered case law that holds the county isn't obligated to pay city fees or to conform to city planning and zoning requirements.

Jackson did not fight the county's findings and notified the county that it would no longer be charged for permits or inspections. However, the city still wanted to approve projects to make sure they met the building codes.

When time came for the city to inspect the public defender office renovation this winter, the county did not submit plans to the city.

Jones said the project was a minor one that didn't need inspections. He said the county hired certified electricians even though county employees were capable of doing the job.

The county never said Jackson inspectors couldn't look at the building and plans, Jones said, but he repeated that the county doesn't need permits from the city.

"We're probably doing it as good or better than their regulations," the presiding commissioner said. "But the thing is, we don't fall under their regulations."

The city maintains it is obligated to inspect buildings within the city limits.

On Monday, the commissioners said they want the same things Golden wants -- a safe building. They said the county would make any changes Golden deems necessary to ensure that the building is safe.

"I'm just looking out for my guys and the public who will do business here," Golden said.

bmiller@semissourian.com

243-6635

COMMISSION ACTION

Approved a 911 request for color laser printer parts.

Approved full-time status for an employee in the collector's office.

Approved the collector's request for repairs to the wand and reader units.

Modified the minutes from an earlier meeting to reflect the repair of seven chairs in the courthouse at a cost of $103 each.

Approved the purchase of an ice machine for the juvenile detention center.

Authorized a contract with Geo Comm for consultant services for the 911 upgrade.