[StBernard] MR. HUNNICUT ON CHANNEL 8 NEWS

[Westley Annis]

Mr. Hunnicut:
 
I agree with Ms. Keller.  Her comments are the reason I emailed you a letter
last week.  If we are to rebuild, we need to know if we need a permit if we
are rebuilding to pre-Katrina status, with minimal changes.  (For example,
changing a door to a "pocket door")  In particular, we need an answer as to
the electrical requirements.  Everyone I have spoken to is of the opinion
that if your home wiring is plastic coated romex, then all you need to do is
cut away about an inch from the receptacle, and discard that portion and the
receptacle.  Aluminium or other wiring has to be replaced.  The electricians
I have spoken to are all in agreement with this, but will the parish approve
when the perform the inspection? 
 
There was also mention about having an engineer inspect your property if the
damage was 30% or greater.  Should this read "greater than 30%".  I have yet
to find anyone with less than 30% damage, so if we follow the instructions
posted, everyone in ST. Bernard will have to hire an engineer to perform an
inspection. Surely that is not what your office expects. 
 
I know that you and your staff are very busy, but a weekly update of answers
to the questions presented to your office would benefit all, and would
probably reduce calls to your office.
 
Thanks for your consideration.
 
John f. richardson
(504) 228-1542