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4.03: Consider Authorization to End Contracted Building Official Services and Recruit a <br />Regular, Full -Time Building Official <br />Development Services Manager Gladhill reviewed the staff report and recommendation that staff <br />be authorized to begin a recruitment to hire a regular, full-time Building Official. It was noted <br />the City currently contracts with Inspectron, Inc. for professional services for this role at $50 per <br />hour. The contract with Inspectron, Inc. includes a `buy-out' clause if the City chooses to hire a <br />current employee at 10% of the employee's first year annual salary with the City. <br />Councilmember Backous asked if it would be revenue neutral even with the 10% buyout. <br />Development Services Manager Gladhill stated it would not but he could reach out to Inspectron <br />to work out those details. <br />Councilmember Backous asked if staff is satisfied with the current contracted Building Official. <br />Development Services Manager Gladhill answered in the affirmative. <br />Councilmember Backous advocated to not waste time by going through a recruitment process <br />and just hire this person. <br />Human Resources Manager Lasher stated this would be a non -union position that falls under the <br />City's internal Personnel Policy and under the current policy, the Inspectron employee is not <br />eligible for an internal recruitment. She explained that not recruiting may offset the cost of the <br />10% buyout. <br />Acting Chairperson Kuzma asked if the Personnel Policy should be revised to allow this <br />exception. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he does not support making exceptions but would like to avoid <br />the recruitment process if it is the intention to hire the Inspectron inspector. <br />Development Services Manager Gladhill suggested staff ask for a legal opinion to assure there is <br />no conflict prior to Council consideration of this item on May 28, 2013. <br />Mayor Strommen stated she is comfortable with making a single exception and then looking at <br />whether it makes sense, more broadly, to change the Personnel Policy to address contract <br />employees. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated it is a common practice in the private sector for a contractor to <br />work into a permanent position so he would support considering a revision to the Personnel <br />Policy. He stated there is funding in the budget and work that needs to be done so he supports <br />staff's recommendation. <br />Personnel Committee / May 14, 2013 <br />Page 4 of 6 <br />