Minutes - Council Work Session - 08/10/2020

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Finance Director Lund stated that there are two more meetings before the adoption of the preliminary levy and budget in September, therefore the focus of the next two worksessions will be on the budget. 2.02: Receive Update on Purmort Home Complaints and Current Permit Metrics Deputy City Administrator Gladhill reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Menth asked the last name of the inspector. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill provided the name of the Building Inspector that was brought up at the last meeting. He confirmed that the position is a City employee and not a contractor. He stated that the true issue expressed by the residents at the last meeting were frustrations with the builder, Purmort Homes. Councilmember Menth stated that the electrical workmanship matter is up to the review of the electric inspector and the City would not have much say in that. He also did not believe the City would have the authority to say a builder cannot build in Ramsey. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill confirmed that the City would not be able to prohibit a builder if they held the proper licensure. Councilmember Specht stated that the City cannot expect permit revenue at the same level each year, noting that this year may have been busier with people completing projects while they were at home more. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill commented that the actual revenue over what is budgeted is much higher each year because the City budgets the projected revenue conservatively. He stated that the COVID environment did slow down responses, but this has been an ongoing concern. He commented that staff is working late and feels guilty taking breaks because things are coming in so fast and they are struggling to keep up. Administrative Services Director Lasher stated that Community Development continues to become more modern and streamlined with technology. She stated that in 2008 there was a Building Official and four Inspectors and compared that to today when the City has one Building Official and contracted inspectors. She stated that perhaps the time has come for the City to expand that. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she was under the impression that the City has an in-house Inspector and contracted when duties went above that level. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill provided details on the staffing related to the Building Official and the contracted inspectors. He noted that these positions are paid for by the inspection fees that residents pay. City Council Work Session / August 10, 2020 Page 6 of 8