By Debbie Carson, Online Editor
FELLSMERE — Leaders from both the City of Fellsmere and Indian River County met Wednesday to discuss the city’s proposal to take on fire inspections.
The city plans to discuss the issue at its next council meeting, where the city council might approve a new ordinance establishing a fire marshal who will perform fire inspections within the city.
“We’re not trying to step on any toes,” said City Manager Jason Nunemaker, who sat down with City Attorney Warren Dill, Emergency Services Director John King and Assistant County Attorney Bill DeBraal. Nunemaker added that the meeting served its purpose in straightening out what the city is planning to do. He added that if the county were agreeable, they could work out an interlocal agreement to clarify the responsibilities of each party.
He said that the city is only trying to provide a better permitting experience for businesses and new construction by providing a one-stop shop to facilitate business activity.
Nunemaker emphasized that the city has no plans to provide fire or emergency medical services for the residents – only fire inspections.”It was a very good meeting,” said King.Nunemaker is expected to provide a document to the county’s administrator regarding the ordinance, which the county’s staff would then review, King said.
The issue could go before the Board of County Commissioners, but when that might happen is currently unknown.
King declined to say what he thinks about the city’s plan to take on fire inspections or whether his concerns had been addressed, stating instead that the meeting had been “very friendly.”
Earlier this week, King expressed concern that there could be a duplication of services should the city approve a fire marshal.For more on this issue, read MORE.
