Agenda - Council - 05/28/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Agenda Page 4 of 11 Personnel Committee Meeting 05/14/2013 Date: Consider Authorization to Hire a Building I nspection I ntern I nformation Title: Consider Authorization to Hire a Building I nspection I ntern 4.2. Background: Building Permit levels have consumed existing staffing and contracted service levels to the point where Staff cannot address non -permit admi nistrative tasks without i mpacti ng response ti mes to an unacceptable level. Staff isscckingamore cost-effective solutiontoaddressingentry-level , routine administrative needs. One such admi nistrati ve task is the admi nistration of the Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS). Per M i nnesota Rule 7800, these private septic systems must be visually checked for evidence of leaks and measure and/or remove certain accumulations no I xs than once every three (3) years. The purpose of this provision is to ensure that systems are adequately maintained and do not pose a threat to public safety, water supplies, and soil conditions. The City has additional background on-line at www.cityoframsey.com/septic. The City has over 4,200 private septic systems that the City is responsi bl e for ensuring compliance with M i nnesota Rules 7800. I n conj unction with current permit levels and the number of systems that must be monitored, Staff does not have the capacity with existing staffing levels to even begin the process for 2013. I n order to remain in compliance with M innesota Rules, Staff is :sccki ng authorization to recruit atemporary Building Inspection Intern. Notification: No notification is required. Observations/Alternatives: The current fee for a Septic Pumping Permit is $10. Based on a cursory review, this rate does not cover all City costs associated with administering the program. The City incurs cost related to software, database administration, mailing, follow up, and data entry. There is also other costs including soft costs, overhead, IT, human resources, finance, etc. True costs to the City are likely closer to $30 per permit. Staff is recommending that the City Council amend the 2013 Rates and Fees to change the Septic Pumping Permit to $20. The rate has not changed since circa 2005/2005. Based on 2012 permits, that would bring a potential for an additional $15,000 that could be used as revenue for the Building I nspecti on I ntern. A separate case has been prepared to introduce an ordinance to amend the 2013 Rates and Fees related to Septic Pumping Permits. This program is guided by M i nnesota Statute and M i nnesota Rules. I f the City Council feels that the current arrangement or standards are not consistent with our vision, values, and goals, then Staff would recommend that the City Council work with the M i nnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to review other alternatives. Thiswould be legislative issue that appl i es statewide. http://156.142.212.178:8080/pri nt_al I .cfm?seq=692& reloaded=true 5/22/2013