August Public Affairs Committee Report
By Heath Clarkston
Cole County Holds Public Forums on Updates to Building Codes
The Cole County Public Works Department recently hosted two public meetings, one in June and one in July, to provide information on updates to building codes for unincorporated Cole County.
Cole County Public Works Director Eric Landwehr and Building Inspector Michael Rankin provided those in attendance with an update on the effort to update our existing codes and answered questions from those in attendance. Following these meetings, the Cole County Public Works Department plan to further review the suggested codes and continue to seek input from all interested parties. In the weeks ahead, a formal discussion of the codes will occur with the Cole County Commission as they will hold public hearings prior to the adoption of any new building codes.
Cole County has not updated their building codes since 1999, and many of today’s current building standards and practices have changed since the time when the 2000 IBC codes were adopted. With that said, the Cole County Public Works department has taken many things into consideration for the proposed code changes and provide numerous amendments to the codes to ensure these codes are not cost prohibitive on homeowners, such as not including the fire sprinkler system requirement on single-family homes or multi-family of 4 units or less as state statute provides. Also, the County has proposed using the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code rather than later years as the more recent adopted energy codes have added significant costs to housing construction and have become problematic in other parts of our state.
The proposal discussed would update the current code as follows:
- 2000 International Building Code to the 2018 International Building Code;
- 2000 International Residential Code to the 2018 International Residential Code;
- 2000 International Plumbing Code to 2018 International Plumbing Code;
- 2002 National Electric Code to the 2017 National Electric Code;
- Adoption of the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code;
- Adoption of the 2018 International Mechanical Code;
- Adoption of the 2018 International Existing Building Code;
- Adoption of the 2018 International Fire Code
At this time, it is unlikely that the County will remain on the 2000 code, however, they are very willing to work with the industry if there are specific issues within the new code that are problematic for the industry or provide for an alternative that ensures the protection of the public.
The County continues to seek input from the public as they move forward with this proposal. A copy of the proposed changes can be found at:
https://colecounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/14316/Title-1-2018-Code-Adoption
JEFFERSON CITY HALF-CENT SALES TAX ON AUGUST BALLOT
On August 4th, Jefferson City voters will be able to cast their votes for a ten-year extension of the existing ½ cent capitol improvements tax. Cole County voters approved of a similar measure in April. The HBA is in full support of the necessary sales tax that funds key and essential infrastructure projects across the city and county. Of the city’s revenue from tax, they currently allocate roughly 60% to their public works department, 10% to public safety, 10% to parks, and the remainder to contingency funds and technology. This tax is essential for the city to continue to provide necessary services to the residents and spur economic activity to our region.
MISSOURI PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 4TH
Also on the August 4th ballot are several ballot questions, state, and local elections.
Ballot Questions:
Amendment 1 – 10-year extension of the soil and water conservation tax
Amendment 2 – Requires Jackson County Assessor to be elected
Amendment 4 – Initiative Petition Reform – must pass all 8 congressional districts
Amendment 5 – Phase-out individual income tax, replace with expanded sales tax to include services
US Congress District 5: (newly created US Congressional District)
Republican: Brad Petty, Brett Hueffmeier, Taylor Burks, Rick Brattin, Berton Know, Micah Beebe
Democrat: Emanuel Cleaver, II
State Senate District 6: (Mike Bernskoetter term limited from state office)
Republican: Jake Vogel, Derrick Spicer, Lisa Thomas, Amber Buckles, Rudy Veit, Ike Skelton
Democrat: J. Don Salcedo
State Representative District 59: (Rudy Viet term limited from State House)
Republican: Vic Rackers, Carrie Tergin, Glenn Reynolds
Democrat: Becky Kroll
State Representative District 60: (David Griffith term limited from State House)
Republican: Scott Spencer, Kyerra Johnson, Shane Kampeter
Democrat: Suzane Luther
Cole County Presiding Commissioner: (Sam Bushman did not seek re-election)
Mike Bernskoetter, Paul Dupuis
Cole County Clerk:
Jeff Ahlers, Dave Griffith