Council debates enforcement approach after work done without permits; stop-work authority noted

Council members discussed instances in which building work proceeded without clear permitting or planning approval, including a small business (referred to as Witts) that altered a storefront and other cases of door and window changes. Members debated appropriate enforcement tools — fines, stop-work orders, or requiring deconstruction — and stressed the issue is not likely to be binary. Key points: one council member said the situation is “a gray area” because contractors and property owners sometimes interpret ordinance requirements differently and seek clarification via email; when clarification is not returned they proceed. That member warned against setting an absolute, one-size-fits-all penalty and advocated a range of remedies. Staff authority: council members noted that “Herb” has authority under village code to issue stop-work orders and that the village can require deconstruction if work proceeded without permit; council discussion also referenced that planning staff are working with property owners in some cases (planning staff members Deb and Jen were named in discussion). Next steps and limits: the council directed staff to consider graduated enforcement measures, examine whether lack of communication contributed, and to return with clearer enforcement options. No formal motion or penalty was adopted at the meeting.