Committee clarifies SafeBuilt contract terms and hears construction‑permit report including MET tower for small 5 MW project

LaSalle County staff briefed the Land Use Committee on building‑permit contracting terms with a third‑party provider and the county's September construction permit report.

Contract discussion: Brian said the county has been reviewing a proposal from a contractor (referred to as SafeBuilt) to provide permit services for a flat fee. Brian said the contractor was "willing to do 5 days a week for, $19,000 a month. So that's that's their offer." Committee members clarified current fee allocation: Brian explained the county currently collects all permit fees but that SafeBuilt invoices the county for 90% of collected fees while the county retains 10% for administration. During the meeting a committee member noted that a contract draft was seeking 100% of fees and an administrative 10% from the county; staff confirmed contract language needed clarification.

Permits and MET tower: The construction permit report noted 28 permits issued in September, with no new single‑family home permits and no large commercial projects. Brian reported the issuance of a MET tower permit associated with a small five‑megawatt renewable project; staff said the MET tower would collect data ahead of a possible spring turbine installation.

Inspections: Staff summarized September inspection activity: 1 abandoned property opened, 1 closed, 1 zoning violation opened, and 19 EPA‑related inspections (2 complaint inspections, 13 reinspections and 4 permitted site inspections).

Next steps: Staff said subcommittee review would continue on permit fee contract language and that the contract terms will return to committee after further review.