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Ms. Nelson replied that contracting for inspections allows us the flexibility to grow and <br />we are comfortable with that. We have established a window service and we want to <br />continue to provide that. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated he would support the idea of contracting for inspections. <br />Discussion ensued relating to the cost and Mr. Kaehler stated we would be saving about <br />$30,000 per year. The City's inspections vehicles would be used. <br />Councilmember McGlone stated that there has been comments about window service and <br />what people expect, but we also need to be a fiscal steward. He added that, other than the <br />fact that we are stuck, he thought we should go formally one up with this policy and <br />decide what's an important inspection and what is not. <br />Councilmember Dehen clarified is it staff's recommendation to eliminate our last <br />inspector with the exception of our Building Official and Permit Technician and go with <br />a private entity for inspections. Ms. Nelson replied yes. Councilmember Dehen inquired <br />if that action would bear significant savings to which Ms. Nelson replied not necessarily. <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that we could use the current inspector in another way <br />when it's slow -why is this staff's recommendation. Ms. Nelson responded that we see <br />this as an opportunity to out-staff as we need them versus having someone in-house all <br />the time. She stated she is not trying to say we will compromise customer service. We <br />feel like we give a good level of service now and we want to continue that. Ms. Nelson <br />added that she thought she heard from the Council that they want to move toward a <br />contract relationship. She continued that they met with three of the proposers and there <br />are. some concerns with some. She stated staff is very comfortable with Inspectron; <br />however, they are the higher bid and we would like to talk to them about lowering their <br />price. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated that when you have a contractor, you are not taking eight hours a <br />month for other things -training, etc. and we are much more flexible. If we have a ton of <br />inspections, we can call and ask for four inspectors. Ms. Nelson agreed with that and <br />stated that this- would be a problem if we contracted with aone-man company. Mayor <br />Ramsey talked about more pros of going with contracted services. <br />Councilmember McGlone talked about all the extra costs with having afull-time <br />employee and stated that these need to be considered in weighing costs. <br />Councilmember Look suggested an option could be to hire our inspectors we have let go <br />on a $25.00 an hour basis. <br />Discussion ensued about the interviews and what would work the best. Councilmember <br />McGlone asked about a per piece price. Mr. Ulrich stated he has known other cities that <br />have done it that way and they make $150,000 to $200,000 per year. <br />City Council Work Session -December 1, 2009 <br />Page 13 of 16 <br />