Gov't begins rebuild of building dept.

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. VERMILION TWP. — Vermilion Township trustees recently agreed to rebuild the government's building and zoning operations. This involved approving a new part-time building official and taking initial, albeit temporary, steps to address zoning and administrative gaps. Building department Township trustees called a special meeting on Friday, which involved hiring Dave Fasiana as part-time chief building official and building inspector. The position pays $2,900 per month. Trustees said Fasiana brings decades of experience to the role. He's expected to help the township work through a backlog of permits while restoring regular operations. Fasiana's hiring represents a beginning step to rebuild Vermilion Township's building department. Because of a major shakeup to this department within the past month, trustees said there are up to 20 outstanding permits in various stages that must be processed. Initially, trustees brought on Joe Baxter, the government's one-time administrator, to serve as building inspector, however, he was fired about a month ago. Trustees cited concerns with the lack of progress of the building department under Baxter's supervision. Within the past year, trustees transitioned from using Vermilion's building department to their own in Vermilion Township. The elected body decided to return this service in-house in hopes of better serving residents. Fasiana expects it could take upward of six months to get the department fully up and running, though he noted the current permit backlog could likely be addressed much sooner. Trustees also acknowledged that additional administrative support will be needed to keep the department functioning efficiently. The broader goal discussed during the meeting was to re-establish a system that can, at a minimum, sustain itself through permit activity while continuing to serve residents. Zoning department In addition to hiring a building official, trustees also addressed ongoing gaps in zoning administration. Kurt Johnson, a former trustee who is currently serving as the township administrator, was approved to take on the role of interim zoning inspector while the township advertises and works to fill the position permanently. Trustees said the temporary appointment is intended to keep zoning responsibilities moving without interruption. Trustees also approved bringing on additional support for zoning and administrative work. Misty Johannsen, a four-term township fiscal officer, was approved at a rate of $20 per hour for up to 20 hours per week to serve as board secretary and zoning commission clerk. During the meeting, officials acknowledged that zoning files and administrative processes will require organization and attention as the township rebuilds those operations.