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Councilmember Musgrove asked if there are unusual circumstances in the number of projects this <br />year because of COVID. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that this year is unique, but a second contracted <br />inspector was also needed. He stated that this need has been brewing for some time and there is a <br />continued need. He stated that even with an economic downturn, there would be a need for the <br />Building Official and Inspector to be in-house. He noted that if there is a slowdown, the contracted <br />inspections can always be reduced. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove asked if the City can provide input when a model home is constructed <br />by a builder, as to whether it meets the City’s standard, using the example of a 2 x 4 as a railing. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that the intent of plan review is to attempt to avoid field <br />issues and determine whether the plans meet the required standards. He stated the field conditions <br />change inevitably and those need to be reacted to. He stated that as proposed a railing was not <br />required but the grade was not done according to plan and therefore a railing was required in order <br />to keep the grade the same. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that his recommendation would be to convert a contract <br />inspector position to an in-house Inspector position. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley asked and received confirmation that this would be budget neutral and may <br />even present a cost savings. He commented that the need has remained constant for the past few <br />years. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kuzma confirmed that he would support the recommendation of staff. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove asked if the need is during the months of May through October or all <br />year. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill explained that construction activity and reporting occur all <br />year round and therefore this position would be warranted all year. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove stated that she would like to see a cost-benefit of the employee versus <br />the contracted service. <br /> <br />Councilmember Menth asked if this one employee change would be enough to get the City over <br />the demand. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that this would be a more efficient use of resources. He <br />commented that the City would never be ahead on this and would be responding to the level of <br />requests. He explained that there would be better customer service and consistency through an in- <br />house Inspector compared to a contracted position. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht stated that he would be interested to know the number of inspectors for <br />other cities when this comes back, for comparison purposes. <br />City Council Work Session / August 10, 2020 <br />Page 7 of 8 <br /> <br />