Food trucks and inflatable bounce house inspections will now cost more in Akron as the cash-strapped city looks for ways to cover costs.
Along with tweaks to inspection fees and permits issued by fire inspectors, City Council also fast-tracked a request Monday to buy two washer-extractors for $15,480. The machines, available in only seven of the city’s 13 fire stations, remove smoke, soot and carcinogens from used fire gear.
The units will be installed at Fire Station 2 on Exchange Street near Arlington Avenue and Fire Station 8 at the intersection of Kelly and Archwood avenues.
The need for the machines was made clear by fire department officials who attended a capital budget meeting last week and again Monday by public safety administrators who described firefighters driving to nearby fire stations in hopes of finding clean gear that fits.
City Council also approved recommendations by the mayor’s staff to increase fees and permit costs to cover the man hours required for inspections.
Operators of food trucks, which in the past have been checked up to 10 times a year at multiple events but never charged, must now pay $25 annually for inspectors to check propane tanks, fire extinguishers and ventilation fans. Chief Richard Vober and Capt. Frank Poletta of the Akron Fire Prevention Inspector Bureau told council last week when the fee schedule adjustments were first introduced that several propane tanks were found with minor leaks during the 2016 World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational.
The new fee, they said, is not a money maker but would recoup some of the costs as inspectors safeguard residents and visitors, especially at well-attended events sponsored by the city.
New $50 fees also were applied to commercial kitchens that install overhead hoods and for the inspection of thrusting blocks, which stop sprinkler system pipes from busting into walls when pressurized.
The city also tweaked inspection fees for tents and bounce houses. Inspections per unit increased from $25 to $40 a piece. But to prevent the new fee schedule from becoming too burdensome for nonprofits like churches, a flat rate of $400 has been set for events with 11 or more units. For city-sponsored events, though a permit is required, the fees are waived.
Doug Livingston can be reached at 330-996-3792 or dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @ABJDoug .