Carmel to modernize Building Department with new software

The Carmel Town Board has approved a new software system for its Building Department that will allow residents to apply for permits, submit documents, pay fees and track the progress of their applications online without having to visit Town Hall. 

At its Oct. 21 meeting, the board approved a resolution authorizing the town to enter into an agreement with GovWell Technologies Inc., a New York City-based company, at a cost not to exceed $15,000 annually for software services, modules and technical support. 

Councilman Rob Kearns, who helped spearhead the initiative, said the new system is intended to modernize the department's operations while making the permitting process more convenient and transparent for residents. 

"We're looking to bring the town of Carmel into this century and make life easier for our taxpayers," Kearns said. 

Kearns explained that he, Councilman Mike Lugo and town Chief of Staff Kevin Kernan attended an artificial intelligence and technology conference in New York City over the summer, where they met representatives from several companies offering technology services to municipalities. 

GovWell was among those companies, and town officials subsequently decided to bring its software into the Building Department. 

Under the new system, residents will be able to upload building plans and other required documents electronically, pay permit fees from home and monitor the status of their applications through individual online accounts. 

The software will also allow applicants to schedule inspections and receive notifications about their applications as they move through the review process. 

Kearns said the ability to track applications should address a common concern among residents who contact Town Board members seeking updates on building permits. 

"As board members, we hear a lot from residents," he said. "They want to know updates on their building permits or where they're at in the process." 

With the new software, he explained, applicants will have their own login credentials and will be able to check the status of their applications without having to call or visit the department. 

Lugo acknowledged that some residents and employees may be apprehensive about adopting new technology but said the changes would ultimately benefit those who use town services. 

"I think we could all agree and understand that people are scared of change, but this is going to be a proactive approach to help the town of Carmel and everybody that's using our website," Lugo said. 

Kearns described the modernization as a much-needed improvement and said he was eager to see the system implemented. 

"It's going to be very impressive to see how much better this service is for our taxpayers," he said. 

The resolution authorizes Supervisor Mike Cazzari to execute the necessary agreement with GovWell and Town Comptroller Mary Ann Maxwell to make any budget transfers or modifications needed to cover the expense. 

Town officials did not announce a specific date for the system's rollout.