Authorization to a Hire Building Inspector/Plans Examiner 

The purpose of this case is to authorize hiring a Building Inspectors/Plans Examiner in the Community Development Department.  As the City Council will recall, during the 2026 budget discussions, adding a new Building Inspector/Plans Examiner was discussed, approved, and the funds were included in the adopted 2026 budget for an April 1, 2026, start date.

Staff interviewed many candidates and Mr. Fuad Chehouri was selected to advance in the recruitment process.  Mr.Chehouri passed the necessary pre-employment background checks and staff recommends hiring him as full-time Building Inspector/Plans Examiner. Mr. Chehouri will be subject to a 6-month probationary period per the AFSCME contract and the City's Personnel Policy. 
  
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 funding for this position is included in the 2026 budget.   

To hire Mr Fuad Chehouri, effective on or near April 1, 2026, at $39.405 per hour, which is step 1 of the 2026 pay scale.

Motion to hire Mr. Fuad Chehouri, effective on or near April 1, 2026, at $39.405 per hour, which is step 1 of the 2026 pay scale.