Agenda - Council Work Session - 01/11/2022

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Building Inspections Over time Staff has received feedback and information that suggest it is time to reconsider the efficiencies and long term staffing strategy related to the City's Building Inspections. For perspective, the City has experienced a steady increase to building permits issued since 2017. In 2017, 1,418 total permits were issued and in 2021 there were 2,314 total permits issued. This does not include electrical permits as those are contracted out. In addition to plan review and inspections, the building inspectors are also responsible for fielding general inquiry calls as property owners consider projects. Given the number of preliminary platted properties and commercial projects anticipated in 2022, staff predicts the workload to continue for the foreseeable future. Staff will provide additional details during the work session regarding the increased need for succession planning and the pros and cons of continued use of the one contracted Building Inspector vs. adding a City inspector as it relates to budgetary impacts. Summary In order to keep this discussion at the level appropriate for public discussion, some specific details are not included in this report. However, we believe staff will be able to fill-in additional detail during the meeting as it is likely that more information will be available in the coming few days. Timeframe: 30 minutes Funding Source: Total budget impacts to be determined when additional information becomes available. Planning: The anticipated savings of approximately $32,000 from a pending resignation will allow for other staff opportunities within the department. Building Inspections: The maximum cost to hire an experienced building inspector (for a full year) is $119,098. The current cost of contracted building inspections (for 12 months) is $95,010. An additional impact of $24,088 to fully discontinue contracted building inspections. Depending on the workload, some contracted services may still be needed. It should be noted, the City has held the same contract for a number of years. Should the contract be adjusted, the hourly rate is anticipated to nearly double and potentially require a multi -year commitment. Responsible Party(ies): Colleen Lasher, Administrative Services Director (Head of HR) Brian Hagen, Deputy City Administrator/Community Development Director Outcome: Based on discussion. No file(s) attached. Inbox Brian Hagen Kurt Ulrich Form Started By: Colleen Lasher Final Approval Date: 01/06/2022 Reviewed By Brian Hagen Kurt Ulrich Attachments Form Review Date 01/06/2022 03:22 PM 01/06/2022 04:26 PM Started On: 01/06/2022 06:23 AM