Agenda - Council - 02/08/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Building Official Szykulski replied the changes in the set permit fees doubled but that is not the bulk of the revenue. The other changes in the valuation table and the permit valuation is not going to be a drastic increase. He wasn't sure how that offsets increases in other things. Councilmember Musgrove commented that information would be helpful when deciding to hire a new employee. If the permit work goes down then she wasn't sure what the obligation would be to a contracted worker. Councilmember Heineman questioned for these contracted workers, are they easily replaceable or would there need to be lead time for training. Building Official Szykulski replied the request would be they would have to be at the higher level to be ready to work. For contracted services there is an assumption that training is needed. Councilmember Heineman commented that currently money is being saved and questioned if a problem is being addressed that hasn't happened yet. If that is the case, there is going to be time to train in a new person. But if the current contractor quits tomorrow then they can move into the experience of an experienced full-time employee but until that situation occurs, money is being saved with the current program. Deputy City Administrator/ Community Dev. Director Hagen replied that this discussion is based in what could come in the near future and putting this in front of the Council. A favorable contract is held for the City right now but that is likely not going to stay. The ideal candidate would be someone who is ready to work with maybe only needing to learn the software. They would also hopefully be able to provide mentorship to the other Building Inspector who is gaining experience but needs more guidance. Councilmember Specht questioned if the quality of work of the current contractor was acceptable. Deputy City Administrator/Community Dev. Director Hagen replied they are pleased with the productivity but there are some other items. That is why this discussion is being generated. It's a good time to bring both the Planning Division and Building Inspection Division together at the same time versus bringing them up separately a few months apart. He pointed out from the case that the Planning Division needs are more immediate where the Building Division has time to gather more information for the Council. Mayor Kuzma questioned if the staff is asking to begin the process of looking for someone at this time. Deputy City Administrator/Community Dev. Director Hagen replied if approval was given tonight, they would. However, it is more a matter of looking for direction and need for more information. Councilmember Howell commented that Staff works with the current Building Inspector and asked how pressing it was to go with a different approach. Deputy City Administrator/ Community Dev. Director Hagen replied that the time is good. City Council Work Session / September 14, 2021 Page 5of15