HI planners say contract dispute isn't their business

Ron Jacobson of J&J Contractors applied for a permit to build a 2,500-square-foot house at 12 West Bluffs Lane for property owners Orville "Skip" and Dixie Yates. Permit #2124 was approved for 210 days pending receipt of a road damage permit, which Jacobson agreed to obtain from the district office in Crosson's absence.

HIPC approved a 10-foot by 12-foot shed on skids at the home of Connie Bush at 48 Hickory Lane. Bush had previously discussed having a shed built, along with a carport, under her deck, but changed her mind and decided to purchase a pre-built shed, which will be placed behind the house.

Contractor Donny Hoppe approached the commission to discuss a contract dispute he is having with a client over the building of a detached garage addition and sunroom.

He said the property owner had changed the plans for the garage in the middle of the project and was disputing the increased cost. Hoppe said he had urged the property owner to hire an architect to design the project, which he refused to do. Hoppe said he knew the property owner had contacted HIPC to complain about him.

"In all the years I have worked here, I have never discontinued a job," he said. "I've never not been paid." He expressed concerns his reputation was being maligned and about the permit being completed in the time allotted.

Chairman Joe Schuler said the property owner had taken out the permit as the general contractor, and he was responsible for it.

"He took the permit out, and he needs to talk to you," Schuler said. "It's between him and his contractor unless there's something that affects his building permit. He's the guy that has to get this done as far as our permit's concerned, not you."

"You've always done satisfactory work," noted Building Inspector Red Perkins.

The commission meets every Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. at its office in the Park Shopping Center at 1 Parkcliff Drive, Suite D. Permits and related requests are considered first, followed by other business.