Building official cites SCADA progress; council fumes over approved over-height permit

Building Official Scott Cazier told the council Dec. 9 that winter had slowed construction but Certificates of Occupancy were still being processed. He summarized current projects including testing new council-broadcast sound equipment, adding an office and heaters at the shop, completing a new SCADA system with pump houses expected online by the end of the week, and continuing work on the septic program with costs under review.

The meeting turned contentious when the council discussed a house in the Sunrise Mountain Estates subdivision that exceeded the town’s 35-foot height limit. Mayor Rok said the town had "made a mistake in approving the permit" and Councilman Ellis said he had investigated the matter and concluded staff misread construction plans. Councilman Toolson demanded the record show council members had not been involved in the decision: "I want the record to state that we were not involved in this decision at all. And it seems like we're covering a general contractor's mistake." Councilman Merrill called the approval "unacceptable."

Mayor Rok and staff said the issue was addressed through discussions with the homeowner’s association, the contractor, the town administrator and the building official; the agreed remedy was to bring up the grade around the building. Administrator Aitken said the town's original sign-off will influence building and that the town "doesn't have a recourse for that." The council asked staff to review permitting processes and communication to avoid similar mistakes.

No formal disciplinary action, appeal, or legal enforcement was recorded in the work session; staff will return with any recommended procedural changes.