Kuna residents press city on building inspections, attorney fees and staffing during public comment

During the public-comment period at a Kuna City Council meeting, David Wardell of 2230 East Condor Lane said he repeatedly reported construction that he believes violates building codes and that the city’s building department has not adequately enforced plans or inspected exterior building elements.

"The architect's instructions and specifications are not being adhered to, and basically they're allowing these buildings to be put up however the builder feels like it," Wardell said, adding that inspectors do not appear to be checking roofing, attic ventilation, siding, stucco or masonry veneer.

Another resident, Michael Rocco of 1286 East Fort Erie Street, asked whether the city attorney is on retainer or billed hourly and requested the current rate structure. City Attorney Mark Bybee replied that the city is billed hourly and said "our current rate is right around $201 an hour." Rocco also asked how the city measures whether new or reclassified staff positions improve service delivery; council and staff offered to follow up with details and invited him to provide specific questions in writing.

Mayor Steer and council members acknowledged the concerns and asked staff to follow up. The council did not take formal action on either public comment item but the mayor accepted Wardell’s printed documents for staff review.