Authorization to Hire Building Inspectors / Plans Examiners 

The purpose of this case is to authorize hiring Building Inspectors / Plans Examiners in the Community Development Department.

Background: The City's Building Division currently consists of a Building Official, contracted inspectors, and administrative support. 

At this time, staff are recommending two candidates for the position of Building Inspector/Plans Examiner, one to replace Mr. Thomas Knight who was promoted to Building Official and one to replace Ms. Trisha Lindahl, who accepted a position elsewhere.

Staff interviewed many candidates, including Mr. Dave Rankin and Mr. Eric Hoffman, both were selected to advance in the recruitment process.  Both candidates have passed the necessary pre-employment background checks and staff recommends hiring them as full-time City Building Inspectors/Plans Examiners. Both candidates will be subject to a 6-month probationary period, per the City's Personnel Policy and AFSCME union contract. Mr. Dave Rankin worked for the City of Ramsey previously and is returning with additional experience.  
  
The primary objective of these positions is to assist the Building Official in ensuring that all new and existing residential and commercial/industrial development in the City complies with all applicable portions of the Minnesota Building Codes and applicable City Codes.  This includes, but is not limited to the following duties:

• Assist the Building Official with the review of building, sewer/septic, mechanical and plumbing permits
• Conduct inspections to ensure applicable code compliance for all new and existing structures
• Collect, record and maintain plan review and inspection records as needed
• Perform administrative code compliance activities with direction from the Building Official
• Perform a wide range of tasks at the verbal or written direction (within the ability and resources of the Building Inspector/Plans Examiner) of the Building Official or Community Development Director or their designee.

The City will continue to use a balance of in-house Building Inspectors hired directly by the City and contracted services for overflow inspections, as needed.  

The funding for these positions includes one month from the 2024 budget and is included in the 2025 preliminary budget.   

To hire Mr. David Rankin, effective on or near December 2, 2024 at $43.892 per hour, which is Step 6 of the 2024 pay scale with a credit of five vacation days and to hire Mr. Eric Hoffman, effective on or near December 3, 2024 at $35.114 per hour, which is step 1 of the 2024 pay scale with a credit of three vacation days.

Motion to hire Mr. David Rankin, effective on or near December 2, 2024 at $43.892 per hour, which is Step 6 of the 2024 pay scale with a credit of five vacation days and to hire Mr. Eric Hoffman, effective on or near December 3, 2024 at $35.114 per hour, which is step 1 of the 2024 pay scale with a credit of three vacation days.