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possible. He recommended they create a non-profit corporation, assemble a group to implement affordable housing in the county, empower that group to formulate a proper business plan, and advance them seed money. He claimed that people are willing to help and mentioned two local individuals who want to work toward this goal. NO ACTION REQUIRED OR TAKEN 9.B.2. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEM – TIM ZORC REGARDING BUILDING INSPECTION BACKLOG, THE PRIVATE PROVIDER SYSTEM, AND ASSOCIATED FEES th Tim Zorc, 4415 5 Place SW, speaking both as a builder and as a member of Treasure Coast Builders, commented on the overwhelming hurricane repair and new building permit demands on the Building Department. The system is stressed in spite of adding new inspectors and providing that builders can hire licensed private inspectors. It adds up to an excessive financial burden on the builders, and he was unsure how that burden could be alleviated, he would be glad to work with staff to try to find a solution. Chairman Lowther specified he was more concerned for the people who need to get back into their homes and less concerned about new development. Administrator Baird interjected that the County has also contracted with private providers to help expedite the repair process. Building Official James “Buddy” Akins gave statistics for building permits and inspections compared to last year at this time to show increase in volume his department has experienced since the hurricanes and housing. In March 2004, his division did 7,201 inspections compared to this year’s number of 12,131. Last year in March they issued permits for 140 new homes, in 267 in March this year plus 815 storm-related permits. He has encouraged the builders, and they have cooperated by using private providers to give some relief. The storm damage April 5, 2005 10