KP board alters fees for builders

Dan Glaun

The Village of Kings Point Board of Trustees has changed its fee structure for building applications in response to what the village’s building inspector described as “fraudulent” applications by property owners.

Village of Kings Point Bulding Inspector Richard Schilt proposed that the board implement an additional fee for applicants who repeatedly submit architectural plans without making changes requested by the board, a measure approved at Thursday night’s trustee meeting.

Schilt said some applicants deliberately misrepresent their projects to appear as though they are complying with village code and gain board approval.

“Some architects are forced by their clients to give false information to benefit their project in some way, and I took exception to that,” Schilt said.

Schilt said applicants who deliberately misstate construction dimensions to avoid violating density requirements was one example of the type of manipulation he encountered.

Trustee Hooshang Nematzadeh, a developer who operates outside Kings Point, expressed concern that an increased fee could hit lawful applicants who resubmit paperwork for legitimate reasons. 

Schilt said punishing honest builders was not the goal of the change, and that the village could use its discretion when applying the fee.

The language of the amendment addressed the issue raised by Nematzadeh. Any application resubmitted three or more times without addressing a board concern will incur a fee equal to 10 percent of the original application cost, with an exemption for revisions that respond to board requests for clarification.

The board also introduced legislation to take advantage of loosened state regulations that give villages greater flexibility when selecting bids for purchase contracts.

In March, the state allowed municipalities to select bids based on overall “best value” rather than having to choose the lowest qualified bidder. 

The board introduced legislation to have the village use the best-value standard following a discussion on the village’s contract for air conditioning and heat services, which featured discontent with the village’s current provider.

The board discussed whether or not to renew its contract with West Babylon-based All Seasons.

“I can’t say I’m really thrilled with All Seasons,” said Schilt, citing problems with thermostat settings after maintenance from the contractor.

The board tabled the discussion and will take up the contract at its next meeting, when the law to change purchase bid standards will also be up for a vote.

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