VERMILION TWP. — Vermilion Township trustees moved Friday evening to rebuild the township’s building and zoning operations, approving a new part-time building official and taking interim steps to address zoning and administrative gaps.
At a special meeting held April 17 at 5 p.m., trustees unanimously approved the hiring of Dave Fasiana as part-time Chief Building Official and Building Inspector. The position was set at $2,900 per month, with adjustments for partial months due to timing and availability.
Trustees said Fasiana brings decades of experience to the role and is expected to help the township work through a backlog of permits while restoring regular operations.
Building Department Begins Rebuild
Discussion during the meeting made clear that the township is in the early stages of rebuilding its building department following recent staffing changes.
Officials said there are currently between 10 and 20 permits in various stages that still need to be processed. Fasiana said he expects it could take three to six months to get the department fully up and running, though he said the current permit backlog could likely be addressed much sooner.
Trustees also acknowledged that additional administrative support will be needed to keep the department functioning efficiently. The broader goal discussed during the meeting was to reestablish a system that can at minimum sustain itself through permit activity while continuing to serve residents.
Temporary Zoning Coverage Put in Place
In addition to hiring a building official, trustees also addressed ongoing gaps in zoning administration.
Former Trustee Kurt Johnson, who is serving as administrator, was approved to serve as interim zoning inspector while the township moves to advertise and fill the position more permanently. Trustees said the temporary appointment is intended to keep zoning responsibilities moving without interruption.
Trustees also approved bringing on additional support for zoning and administrative work. Misty Johannsen, a four-term township fiscal officer, was approved at a rate of $20 per hour for up to 20 hours per week to serve as board secretary and zoning commission clerk.
During the meeting, officials acknowledged that zoning files and administrative processes will require organization and attention as the township rebuilds those operations.
Next Steps
With a building official now in place and interim zoning coverage established, trustees said the next step will be filling remaining support roles and continuing to work through existing department needs in the weeks ahead.