Minutes - Council Work Session - 07/10/2012

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Mayor Ramsey stated he has received many compliments on Permit Technician Katy Okerstrom and asked why that position is not being considered for a salary increase. Human Resources Representative Lasher advised of her meeting with Ms. Okerstrom and indicated she will be looking into whether Ms. Okerstrom is working outside of her job description. Senior Planner Gladhill stated he has also received compliments on the Permit Technician and thinks there is opportunity to find avenues to reward for her hard work. However, he needs more time to meet with Permit Technician Okerstrom to better understand her work duties before making that recommendation. Mayor Ramsey stated his support to stay with a building inspection contractor at $50/hour, especially when considering the costs for an employee during the winter when inspections are not needed. Councilmember Elvig agreed and asked whether turnover is an issue with residents. Senior Planner Gladhill indicated the general resident will not notice but certain builders will notice a staff change. He advised the City had two good inspectors from Inspectron that worked well and noted that turnover can happen on contract or employee. Senior Planner Gladhill stated another consideration is the learning curve and advised that the contracted building official is still learning some of Ramsey's processes but the Permit Technician is also there to provide consistency. Councilmember Elvig stated he has no problem with reducing the contract inspector's hours during winter months and while there has been an up tick in building permits, he thinks it can be balanced. Senior Planner Gladhill noted the Council had looked at building permit fees to determine if adjustments were needed. Once staff knows whether the Council supports contracted services, that analysis can be completed. Councilmember Strommen stated she has no strong feelings on this issue but the staff report indicates the City would benefit from cost savings if it went with an on -staff building official so there would be no saving with a contractor unless the winter hours are cut back. She stated her concern with the potential for turnover, which may happen more often with contractors who are looking for full -time work elsewhere. Councilmember Strommen noted builders want to talk with the same inspector instead of re- starting that conversation with another inspector. Senior Planner Gladhill confirmed that Inspectron has provided good service and inspectors. Councilmember McGlone noted there is more flexibility with a contractor and the staff report is based on an FTE; however, there is no intention to keep inspections full time during winter months. City Council Work Session / July 10, 2012 Page 2 of 6