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Agenda Page 4 of 11 Personnel Committee Meeting 05/14/2013 Date: Consider Authorization to Hire a Building Inspection Intern 4.2. Information Title: Consider Authorization to Hire a Building Inspection Intern Background: Building Permit levels have consumed existing staffing and contracted service levels to the point where Staff cannot address non -permit administrative tasks without impacting response times to an unacceptable level. Staff is seeking a more cost-effective solution to addressing entry-level, routine administrative needs. One such administrative task is the administration of the Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS). Per Minnesota Rule 7800, these private septic systems must be visually checked for evidence of leaks and measure and/or remove certain accumulations no less than once every three (3) years. The purpose of this provision is to ensure that systems are adequately maintained and do not pose a threat to public safety, water supplies, and soil conditions. The City has additional background on-line at www.cityoframsey.com/septic. The City has over 4,200 private septic systems that the City is responsible for ensuring compliance with Minnesota Rules 7800. In conjunction with current permit levels and the number of systems that must be monitored, Staff does not have the capacity with existing staffing levels to even begin the process for 2013. In order to remain in compliance with Minnesota Rules, Staff is seeking authorization to recruit a temporary Building Inspection Intern. Notification: No notification is required. Observations/Alternatives: The current fee for a Septic Pumping Permit is $10. Based on a cursory review, this rate does not cover all City costs associated with administering the program. The City incurs cost related to software, database administration, mailing, follow up, and data entry. There is also other costs including soft costs, overhead, IT, human resources, finance, etc. True costs to the City are likely closer to $30 per permit. Staff is recommending that the City Council amend the 2013 Rates and Fees to change the Septic Pumping Permit to $20. The rate has not changed since circa 2005/2005. Based on 2012 permits, that would bring a potential for an additional $15,000 that could be used as revenue for the Building Inspection Intern. A separate case has been prepared to introduce an ordinance to amend the 2013 Rates and Fees related to Septic Pumping Permits. This program is guided by Minnesota Statute and Minnesota Rules. If the City Council feels that the current arrangement or standards are not consistent with our vision, values, and goals, then Staff would recommend that the City Council work with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to review other alternatives. This would be a legislative issue that applies statewide. http://156.142.212.178:8080/print all.cfm?seq=692&reloaded=true 5/22/2013