Adopt Resolution #23-123 to Approve Building Inspection Services with Rum River Consultants

Currently, the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) conducts plumbing plan reviews for all commercial and public projects within the City. Reviews typically take 8 - 12 weeks to complete and DOLI collects 100% of the review fees. MN Statutes 326B.43 Subdivision 2 permits the delegation of authority for plumbing plan review to municipalities. By approving the agreement with RRC, the City can apply to DOLI for commercial plumbing plan review delegation. Rum River Consultants (RRC) added a master plumber to its 23-member team and has worked as a consultant with the City of Ramsey for a number of years. Staff supports the designation of RRC as Ramsey's delegate/representative to complete commercial and public plumbing plan reviews; review time will be cut in half (approximately 4 weeks), RRC will retain 85% of the commercial plumbing permit fee and the City will retain 15% to cover administrative costs. 

Approving the agreement is one of the key steps for the City of Ramsey to obtain a special delegation from DOLI. Other steps include approval of Ordinance #23-10 (case 14275) to offer local plumbing plan review services and endorsement of an application and submission to DOLI (case 14274). Once all approved, it will be submitted to DOLI for final approval and designation.

No public notification is required. However, if the City Council adopts all pertinent agreements and ordinances, DOLI will be notified of the changes.

If passed by City Council, the ordinances, resolutions, agreements and established local fees must be submitted to DOLI for approval.The agreements become effective once they are approved by DOLI and the ordinance is published for 30 days. 

City Council Alternatives:

Approve Resolution #23-123 to approve building inspections service with Rum River Consultants
Not approve Resolution #23-123 and make a recommendation to continue commercial plumbing plan reviews with DOLI or seek a different consultant

 

The agreement is not financially binding, except when services are needed. There will be no retainer fee or minimum contract costs owed to RRC,

Recommendation to adopt Resolution #23-123, contingent upon the adoption of Ordinance #23-10, Amendment to Chapter 105, Building and Building Regulations and Resolution #23-124 Approving Department of Labor and Industry Plan Review Agreement.

Motion to adopt Resolution #23-123 Approve Building Inspection Services Agreement with Rum River Consultants