Adopt Resolution #21-079 to Hire a Building Inspector in Community Development

The purpose of this case is to authorize hiring a Building Inspector in the Community Development Department.

Background: As a result of multiple budget discussions and feedback from the community, the City Council included funds in the 2021 budget for Building Inspector.  The primary objective of this position 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.  

Staff generally uses the following metrics to determine effectiveness of our resources. Please note that customers often expect quicker response than what has previously been allowed by City Council as indicated below.
 

Return Phone Call/Email Inquiry	Same Day (may not be immediate response) Final Answer/Determination may come later
Plan Review (Residential)	2 Weeks
Plan Review (Commercial)	4 Weeks
Inspection Window	2 Days

The City uses (and will continue to use) a balance of in-house Building Inspectors hired directly by the City and contracted services for overflow inspections. Current work volume indicates that additional City Staff should be added to address work volumes that continue throughout the entirety of the year (not seasonal variations). In 2020, the City issued over 3,500 permits that resulted in nearly 9,500 inspections. A key driver of activity is new single-family growth that averages approximately 150 to 175 new single-family homes each year. Preliminary indications are that this trend will not slow in the near future and that 2021 will likely be even busier with a similar level of residential growth in addition to several commercial/industrial projects. 

Over the past few years, customers have begun to express frustration about the timeframe to get a permit. Staff has been able to manage some of this administratively, but a few complaints have escalated to the City Council. This conversion of some of our contracted inspections to a City Staff Member will provide necessary stability and reliability while also potentially resulting in some cost savings. 

Following the application period, staff conducted three first interviews and two second interviews.  The interview panel included senior staff in both Community Development and Administrative Services. 

Based on a written plan review and other qualifications, a candidate was selected as the top candidate.  Staff advanced him to the back grounding process which included the following pre-employment checks:  professional reference check, employment verification, driving record check and a preemployment exam and drug screen. 

The funding for this position has been accounted for within the 2021 budget and was estimated to be $80,792 with a March 1, 2021 hire date; the actual funding will be less given the delayed start date.  

To approve resolution #20-079, hiring Hire Mr. David Rankin as the City's new Building Inspector, effective on or near April 12, 2021 at $35.35 per hour, which is Step 3 of the 2021 Building Inspector wage scale with a credit of five vacation days.

Motion to adopt resolution #21-079 to do the following:

Hire Mr. David Rankin as the City's new Building Inspector, effective on or near April 12, 2021 at $35.35 per hour, which is Step 3 of the 2021 Building Inspector wage scale with a credit of five vacation days.