CLEARFIELD – After a discussion with their solicitor Jim Naddeo, the Lawrence Township Supervisors approved drafting a resolution to expand the number of inspection agencies within the township.
Naddeo said that a recent court decision stated that entering into an exclusive agreement with an inspection agency went against the Uniform Construction Code. Lawrence Township is currently contracting with the Middle Department Inspection Agency to provide inspection services for contractors and homeowners.
Naddeo said that an ordinance that the township enacted in 2004 permits the township to enter into agreement with one or more agencies to act on behalf of the municipality for inspection services. He said that the township is not required to designate a lone agency.
Naddeo added that the agreement between the township and MDIA names MDIA as their official inspection agency.
“That doesn’t exactly say they’re to act as our exclusive agency” said Naddeo. He also added that he did not think that precluded the township from contracting with other agencies.
Naddeo also said that the court case, Allegheny Inspection vs. North Union Township is currently being appealed. He indicated that that in itself is noteworthy.
“That tells me there is something in the decision that has their (the Supreme Court’s) attention,” added Naddeo.
He said that he spoke to the attorney for MDIA, who indicated to Naddeo that municipalities are waiting to see what happens with the appeal.
According to Bill Lawhead, chairman of the Lawrence Township Supervisors, there have been some complaints from contractors and residents about the timeliness of the inspection services.
“We need to get it open up a little bit,” said Lawhead. “To get inspections done a little faster.”
Once the resolution is passed it will allow the township to invite proposals for service from other inspection agencies.