Consider reappointing Jeff Smith to the Construction Board of Appeals, effective immediately and ending on June 30, 2028.

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

The Construction Board of Appeals has the authority to hear appeals of decisions and interpretations of the building official and consider variances of the technical codes. They also hear and decide appeals of decisions of the fire marshal under the life safety code and hear and decide appeals of decisions and interpretations of the fire marshal. They are also the board designated to hear and decide appeals for interpretation of the flood ordinance. Membership of the board should be composed of individuals with knowledge and experience in the technical codes, such as design professionals, contractors, building industry representatives, fire protection engineering professionals, industrial safety professionals, and licensed electrical contractors. Alternate members, if appointed, should consist of a member at-large from the building industry and one member at-large from the public. Mr. Jeff Smith is a resident of Friendswood who served over 30 years in the Galveston Fire Department, where he was responsible for the Fire Marshal's Office, which oversees the development and enforcement of municipal fire codes. Mr. Smith has over 40 years of experience as a volunteer for the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department and has served in various volunteer capacities with other local charitable organizations and city committees. If reappointed, Mr. Smith will serve a two-year term effective immediately and ending June 30, 2028.

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.5/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).