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

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No notification is required. Proper notification will be provided in the City's Official Newsletter. Observations/Alternatives: Part 1 - Rental License Concern has been raised by the most recent builder subject to the Rental License. The question has arisen that the Rental License requires an inspection; however, the City will already be inspecting the building as part of the Building Permit and request for Certificate of Occupancy. It has been suggested that the City in essence is charging twice for the same inspection. Staff agrees that the Final Inspection required for the Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy is adequate to cover the same inspection required for the Rental License. To streamline and reduce costs, Staff would recommend a 50% credit for new construction that requires a Final Inspection that covers the same items as the Residential Rental License. This would still provide adequate resources to administer the initial license, tracking, and set up for future renewals. Part 2 - Septic Pumping Permit As noted, the City is currently responsible for administering septic regulations for owners of private septic systems. There are currently approximately 4,200 private systems in the community. Approximately 1,500 letters are sent annually as reminders for the required three-year inspection, which could include a requirement for pumping. On the May 14, 2013 Personnel Committee Agenda, the Committee discussed this topic in terms of human resources required to administer the program. The impetus of the rate change is to provide a sustainable funding source to provide adequate staffing to administer the program. The resources required to administer the program include: 1. Staffing 2. Software for tracking 3. Mailing supplies 4. Permit Applications (Three [3] part carbon copy for multiple copies) 5. Data storage (digital archive) The process involved in administering the program include: 1. Searching for systems without record of required inspection or pumping (software system) 2. Preparing reminder mailings 3. Scan to archive 4. Searching for duplications and/or inaccurate reminders 5. Send mailing 6. Respond to numerous phone calls, emails, and inquiries based on reminder 7. Enter data as permits are submitted 8. Scan to archive 9. Update database Currently, there is not sufficient staff resources to begin the program for 2013 based on current volume levels within the Community Development Department. In addition, it appears clear that the current rate does not cover all costs associated with administering the program. It is also noted that the $20 per Pumping Permit likely also does not cover all costs associated with the program, but does bring it to an acceptable level. The City recently implemented a new software tracking system. As with any new system, there are minor complications to update as the software is rolled out. There are a number of database updates that are required with the new system that is above and beyond the base rate. Staff has searched and identified some potential funding sources for 2014 that Staff suggests the City explore to further improve and update the program. Staff will bring