By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Growth can be a beautiful thing. 

Sometimes, growing pains or periods of adjustment come with that growth. 

As the Naples Board of Selectmen was looking over department budgets, it became apparent why the code enforcement office is so busy.  Comparing 2021 to 2020 — there is four times the amount of revenue being brought into the code enforcement department, Vice-chairman Bob Caron II pointed out.  

“With this increase, is our staff equipped to handle it,” Caron said. “Number one: Are we getting back to people in a timely manner? And Number Two: Is [Planner] Ben [Smith] able to handle it?”  

The discussion took place Monday during the selectmen’s meeting. 

Chairman Jim Grattelo said the dollar amount was misleading as to how many permits were being issued.

“You are apt to just look at the dollars. We have several big projects that are bringing in big dollars,” he said. 

He requested code enforcement staff “to look at the number of permits versus the dollar amount. They [the permits] will be broken down into categories: Shoreland Zoning, small decks and sheds, commercial, and rebuilds and small houses,” Grattelo said. 

“Some building permits do not have a long process,” he said.

Caron steered the conversation back to taking care of the public’s needs, the needs of the applicants who go before the planning board.

“We need to figure out from a town standpoint that the planner has time to talk to people so that they aren’t blindsided. Are we taking care of permits in timely manner?”

Selectman Kevin Rogers was attending the meeting via Zoom. He spoke up from the TV screen.  

“Are you hearing otherwise,” Rogers asked.

“I’ve heard a few complaints,” Caron said.

He said it was obvious that the workload was bigger. 

“The revenue is the biggest stream alone,” Caron said. “Even though we have a couple big projects, there is a lot more revenue. A lot of business is being directed to the Town of Naples.” 

Later in the conversation, Selectman Ted Shane returned to the topic of public complaints. 

“Is anyone else hearing complaints about the code office not returning phone calls,” Shane asked. “Is that where you were going with that Kevin?”

Rogers answered.

“No, not particularly,” he said. “I haven’t heard anything from the public. But based on the number of projects, I’ve wondered how they are holding up in there.”

First, Caron talked about his view of the role of the planner. Later, Grattelo addressed Ben Smith’s role as part-time planner. 

“My understanding with the town planner is: The planner is supposed to give the information ahead of time, so [applicants] have their ducks in the row,” Caron said. 

“Where the planner is involved, I have heard some commercial projects that the planner hasn’t returned the information for them to submit it. The whole point is we are trying to make it easier for these permits to go through,” Caron said. 

Grattelo took the floor. 

“First of all, the Town of Naples doesn’t have a planner,” he said. 

The money to hire a full-time planner was approved at a pastannual town meeting, but nobody applied for the job when it was advertised, according to Grattelo.  

“So, we hired a consultant,” he said. 

“The planner’s responsibility is to protect the Town of Naples. The planner is not hired for the businesses. The planner was hired because of the increase of development in Naples, primarily due to COVID-19. The planner is also representing other towns. He has had his issues with COIVD and staff as well. I have heard that some of that paperwork has fallen behind,” Grattelo said. 

“It was never envisioned that the town hired a planner for the businesses,” he said.

Selectman Shane said that is not what the community thinks. 

“They are under the impression that Ben is our planner, and that is who they should be going to,” Shane said.

Naples Town Manager John Hawley outlined the role of Planner Ben Smith.

This person is primarily concerned with the best interests of the town. He reviews the applications to make sure the plans are in accordance with the town’s land-use standards. The planner make notes for how the planning board should act, what is appropriate for the planning board to do, 

Caron said it would be helpful if the planner or his staff reviewed the applicant’s paperwork and sent correspondence, letting the applicant know if a plan doesn’t meet a certain standard.