Select Board votes to seek higher junkyard permit fee, schedules public hearing

The Kingston Select Board voted unanimously to post a public hearing to consider increasing the town's junkyard permit renewal fee from $35 to $50 and to standardize inspections for junkyards.

Pedro Avila Avila, who appeared before the board about a pending junkyard permit renewal, told the board he wants to treat junkyards like other business occupancies, perform life-and-safety inspections and bring the deputy health officer to site visits. He said the inspections would check access for emergency responders and other safety items and recommended a single fee that would include the application and inspection.

Why it matters: The change would raise a fee that the board's records show was adopted in February 2007 and is used for recurring renewals for a small number of local businesses. Board members said they want more information on how often inspections will be needed, who will perform them and the historic basis for the existing $35 charge before making a final fee change.

Avila outlined his approach during the presentation: "we'll be bringing the health officer" and, where appropriate, the police department, to address life-and-safety items on-site. He recommended a modest increase to keep fees consistent with other business-occupancy charges but said he would accept $35 if the board preferred.

Board members asked staff to research the origin of the $35 fee and how many junkyards remain in town. The board learned the fee was adopted by the board of selectmen in 02/2007. Select Board members expressed concern that inspections create a workload and cost that someone must cover.

After discussion, a board member moved to increase the fee to $50 and post a public hearing; Chuck seconded the motion. The board voted in favor; members present said "aye" and the chair declared the vote unanimous. Board members clarified that any renewals submitted this year would remain at the existing $35 fee and that any new fee would take effect only after the public hearing and final vote.

The board also directed staff to return with details on inspection frequency, who would attend inspections (health officer, police), and estimated mileage/compensation costs so the board can set a fee that covers town costs without creating an undue burden on small operators.

The board and staff left open the possibility of tiered inspection requirements based on site size or complexity, but no tiered fee structure was adopted at the meeting.

What's next: Staff will research fee history and inspection cost estimates, publish a notice for a public hearing on the proposed $50 fee, and keep current permit renewals at $35 until the hearing and final vote.