Permit fees waived for storm damage repairs BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer EATONTOWN - The Valentine's Day ice storm severely damaged some homes in the borough, and Mayor Gerald Tarantolo wants the council to do what it can to lighten the burden. Tarantolo suggested at last week's council meeting that the council waive permit fees for homeowners who are forced to repair damage left by the storm. "About 12 to 15 permits have been taken out by residents to repair damage to their homes as a result of the storm," he said. "I think it would be a nice gesture by the council." Tarantolo said that he contacted the building department and the attorney for the state Division of Codes and Standards to see if his idea would be feasible. "His opinion is that the borough has the authority to waive permit fees in this situation," Tarantolo said. The council agreed, and voted unanimously in favor of waiving the permit fees. According to Tarantolo, many homes in the borough had the power line running to their home knocked down by branches that had become brittle due to a coating of ice. "People had to get them restored," he said, "and they have to get a permit to have the power company or an electrician come out and repair it." Tarantolo said that such permit fees generally cost between $30 and $50. "It doesn't mean much to the borough," he said, "but it is an additional cost for homeowners. We're not talking thousands of dollars here."