Agenda - Council - 01/22/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Continue with Existing Contract with WSB • Authorize Requests for Proposals for Other Interested Firms • Hire an Assistant Planner directly Building Inspections The City has contracted with Inspectron, Inc. since 2011 and the City has extended the contract in the past. The billable rate is $50 per hour. This is an extremely competitive rate. Based on a recent request for quotes for billable rates, average billable rates actually range from $75 per hour to $90 per hour. This contract automatically extends, unless the City cancels said contract. The City Council can approve an extension under the existing contract. The City does not need to execute an additional contract. Funding is provided by Building Permit Fee Revenue. The existing contract has an auto -renewable clause. The City can cancel at anytime with appropriate notice. The City is not obligated to utilize services not needed (if workload does not support need, service level is reduced). Building Inspections Alternatives • Continue with Existing Contract • Authorize Requests for Proposals for other interested firms • Hire a Building Inspector directly (planned for 2021) Staff recommends continuing the current contract and re-evaluate after one (1) year. Due to a retirement at the end of January, the City is actively searching for a Building Official, which is the manager of this activity. Staff would like to provide this new team member the opportunity to evaluate alternatives and make recommendations. Staff would not recommend making a change in the middle of a construction season, and would recommend any changes be limited to the end of the calendar year. Electrical Inspections Local Municipalities in Minnesota can elect to administer the electrical code locally. However, a majority of communities elect to allow the State of Minnesota administer the Electrical Code within their community. The benefit of administering locally is better and more streamlined coordination with building permits (one stop shop). The City has contracted with Tokle Inspections since 2011. Tokle Inspections sets the Electrical Permit Rates and Charges. The City collects the appropriate fees and retains 20% of revenue collected. The remaining revenue is distributed to Tokle Inspections. Funding is provided by Electrical Permit Fee Revenue. Administering the local electrical code locally gives the City more control over customer service and a share in revenue. Staff finds the current levels of service acceptable. The existing contract has an auto -renewable clause. The City can cancel at anytime with appropriate notice. The City is not obligated to utilize services not needed (if workload does not support need, service level is reduced). Electrical Inspection Options • Continue with Existing Tokle Inspections Contract • Authorize Request for Proposals (RFP) for Interested Contractors to perform local electrical code administration • Delegate responsibility to State of Minnesota • Hire Electrical Inspector Directly Funding Source: These expenses have been included in the 2018 General Fund Budget. Revenue for these activities are generally supported by Application Revenue. Recommendation: