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by Chuck Ring (GadaboutBlogalot ©2009)
Quote Freely From The Article – Leave The Pseudoynm Alone
This article will be a short update to Red Tags In The Sunset In Edgewood, New Mexico posted on October 16th.
Since publication of the article referenced above, I was told by Mr. Jason Davis, the inspector who posted the red tags and the other document on the library building, that he could not find a record of the electrical work having been permitted; nor, is he aware of any other work for the remodel of the library space being permitted. Mr. Davis further advised that since the work was not permitted and inspected, the library could be dangerous to library staff and patrons.
I was informed by area citizens, who are to remain anonymous at this time, that town authorities were told on more than one occasion, that the work on the library required that permits be obtained due to such permits being required by New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) and the safety factors presented if the work was not performed in a professional or workmanlike manner. If the advise was ignored, one has to wonder why. Did the Town of Edgewood, acting through it staff or elected Mayor decide that permitting the work was not required or did the Town just forget about the permits?
I believe the Town of Edgewood should act to rectify this situation with the library and if evidence warrants, that the entire building should be subjected to through inspections for compliance with CID regulations for earlier work on the building. To do less could place the safety of building occupants and patrons at risk and also place the Town and building owner in financial peril.
I had argued in the past, that the library should be owned by the Town and that it should be on Section 16 and the amount for the lease could pay the debt service on a new building. In addition, I was not in favor of utilizing this space for the library without full knowledge of the building condition, which was one of the requirements (along with proper permitting) that the council required of the Mayor during an open meeting before they voted to go forward with the remodel.
I have said in the past that the Mayor was to be commended on working to open the library and it has been clear the library is enjoyed by many in the community. It seems a shame the library and patrons may suffer due to what are or were major mistakes in the decision making progress.
Here’s hoping that the discrepancies with the library and library building are resolvable and the library can continue to serve the community.
The governing body for the Town of Edgewood should insist on definite proof of full compliance of safety and fire issues that pertain to the library.
If further details become available they will become public on this blog.
Since the electrical modifications were so minor (4 electrical plugs), I find it hard to believe that a busy man like the inspector came across the electrical “infraction”on his own.
I hope I am wrong but it sure sounds like someone in the know (the contractor or town staff), just happened to give the inspector a “heads up” on this matter?
This is really too bad as the library is probably the town’s most significant achievement in the last two years. I hope this issue is clarified fast and the red tag is soon removed.
Four electrical plugs? I’ve never indicated the nature of the electrical issues. But, I’m quite sure it was more than four electrical plugs. I’m quite certain that it was not someone or “someones” from the Town staff or the contractor that provided the information to the inspector.
There will be more. Sort of reminds me of the ACORN chronicles.