To the Editor:
At the recent July 14 Berne Town Board meeting it was brought up that many residents who applied for permits in the past years have incomplete files. This isn’t due to the residents but rather past employees.

As we go through the files and find hundreds of open permits, incomplete files, and properties without certificates of occupancy, we are addressing them.

These issues cause many problems with real estate. In the building department, our job is to ensure the welfare of the community with buildings that are safe and up to the standards according to the state laws.

It’s also causing a problem with residents who want to sell their properties in this unique real-estate market. Agents are calling the building department and verifying properties have certificates of occupancy, permits, and water and sewer certificates.

When they find out a property doesn’t have the necessary complete certifications, they are advising their clients to back out of the deal. Also the lenders aren’t funding the purchase without these documents.

At the recent town board meeting, it was brought up that we are tracking down a missing laptop from Mr. [Timothy] Lippert (past building administrator) that held many applicants’ permits and data. Once we receive the laptop, we can start to upload this information into the Intrusion Prevention System, which will overlay directly to the SBL [Symbol Library] file in a cloud so residents’ application information is safe and available for future plans.

Also we are working on adding a lot-line adjustment waiver to the proposed lot-line adjustment application. This waiver, which should be used in very minor situations, would allow an easy process to settle small lot-line adjustment needs. It would clear up any problems that could become a future issue as times change and new owners move in.

I want to reiterate that the building department is making strides on moving towards a smoother, more transparent process. These things do take time and residents should expect that any application will go through a process that is sometimes lengthy but you can have confidence that the end result will be done correctly and protect one of your biggest assets.

Protecting your home and especially your land is a foundation in our community.

Joe Martin

Chairman

Berne Planning Board

Editor’s note: Tim Lippert, who is running for town councilman on the Democratic line, told The Enterprise he would respond to Joe Martin’s claims, but his response was not received in time for print.