Roberts holds hearing on ordinance that would require door-to-door notice and a $600 permit fee

The Roberts City Council convened a public hearing May 12 to consider Ordinance #2026.572A, which would amend Ordinance No.2026-572 to regulate construction, repair and excavation within public rights-of-way. Mayor Robert "BJ" Berlin read the notice and the ordinance language at 6:50 p.m.; no public testimony was offered and the hearing was closed at 7:00 p.m.

The ordinance as read would require permittees to provide written, door-to-door notice to affected residents, occupants or property owners prior to work in public rights-of-way and would establish a Permit Administration Fee. As read aloud during the hearing, the text includes a provision for a "fee ofsix hundred dollan ($600.00);" the council packet and staff materials describe that phrase as a flat $600 fee for projects not requiring a Certificate of Occupancy, while projects that do require a Certificate of Occupancy would be subject to applicable City of Roberts building-code fees. The ordinance language also authorizes the Mayor or designated staff to waive fees when appropriate and allows the City Council to adjust fees by resolution.

When Mayor Berlin asked whether any members of the public had signed up to speak, the clerk replied that no one had signed in. The mayor then opened the floor for favorable, opposition and neutral comments in turn; the record shows no testimony was given. No motion or vote was recorded during the hearing itself.

Copies of the proposed ordinance were made available for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk during regular business hours, according to the hearing notice read aloud. The hearing record will accompany any future council consideration or action on Ordinance #2026.572A.