Mayor Planning Push Against Fire Codes

Bourbon Mayor Dave Lafferty is planning on leading a push against the Bourbon Fire Protection District’s building and occupancy permits as the issue continues to rankle city officials.

Business owners also could join the fray.

The reaction comes several months after the fire district adopted codes that subject businesses undergoing new construction or major remodels to apply for a building permit.

Businesses that are newly-formed, change their name, move location or have new ownership must apply for an occupancy permit.

Firework permits also were adopted.

Bourbon Fire Chief Steve Kimker asked the board to adopt the codes in April, but the city refused.

Since that time, Bourbon has said its officers will not be used to enforce the codes and the city council has become more outspoken in its opposition.

During the board’s July 20 meeting, Brian Hartung — owner of Uncle Ernie’s — questioned the board on the current situation.

Lafferty ripped into the fire district.

“You did (the codes) behind our backs,” he said.

Lafferty insisted that he asked Fire Marshal Corey Rice when the meeting was, “but the guy couldn’t tell me. I’m going to find out. We’re going to find everyone who is upset about it. I’ll go, too. Three people voted for everybody and that’s not right,” he said.

Hartung criticized the fire board for a decision that he feels belongs in a bigger county, like St. Louis or Franklin.

Lafferty concurred.

“I don’t give a damn what St. Louis, Sullivan or Franklin County did,” he said. “You want to bring the big city to rural America. I’m not happy about it.”

Hartung felt the new codes are going to shut down the potential of new businesses coming to Bourbon.

Lafferty agreed, saying “they are cramming it down our throats anyway.”

Ward 2 Alderwoman Sonya Sewald said she is a supporter of the fire district and appreciates their commitment, but said the code has become a problem.

“I’ve been approached by businesses and residents who are unhappy,” she said. “This is a double inspection because of things the health department is doing.”

Lafferty invited Hartung to join him at the next fire board meeting, along with others.

“The more people you can get to come and voice their opinions makes a difference,” he said.

Hartung asked if the county has adopted the codes, but the commission has taken no action. Presiding Commissioner Leo Sanders said during the commission’s July 27 meeting there are no plans at this time to adopt the codes.