Consider Extension for Temporarily Fulfilling Needed Building Inspection Services

The purpose of this discussion is to update the City Council regarding the Building Division's gap in staffing coverage as compared to the current volume of work. A considerable and above average amount of Staff resources was consumed by Permit Administration, Plan Review, and Inspections. Other tasks, such as code enforcement and activity reporting have been left unadressed. Staff believes a temporary solution over the first half of 2019 shall be sufficient to complete outstanding obligations carried over from 2018. The City Council previously approved this same scenario through the end of 2018.

Staff does not anticipate levels as high as this year to sustain each year, and would prefer a temporary solution rather than a permanent solution. The increase in expenses are offset by increase in revenue. This is the scenario that Staff plans for each year in order to remain fiscally responsible.

As the City Council is aware, activity in the Building Division continues to be very high; as is activity within the entire Community Development Department.  Staff is seeking direction from the City Council regarding what option to take in order to complete the Department's work.  Staff will provide additional detail regarding alternative options when this case is discussed with the City Council; however, Staff's top recommended option is to continue utilizing a current 20-hour per week, part-time employee that is currently working in the Engineering Department.  This employee is stationed in the same general work space as Community Development, has already been cross trained and is available to work full-time.  Staff recommends dedicating an additional 20-hours per week to this employee's schedule, now through June 30, 2019 based on work volume and budget discussions. 

Alternatively, the City Council could consider contracting for these services. Unfortunately, there are limited resources available for contracting this type of work. Additionally, there would be approximately four (4) weeks of on-the-job training, creating a lag in full capacity. Additionally, contracted services generally carry a higher per-hour rate. The benefit of contracted services is the flexibility and ability to be temporary in nature. In this case, the City has a lower-cost, more effective solution that still achieves this flexibility and temporary nature.

Approximately 10 minutes.

Detailed information will be provided at the meeting.

Tim Gladhill, Community Development Director

Staff is seeking direction on allowing the current Engineering Administrative Assistant to continue to work 20 hours per week in the Building Inspection Division until June 30, 2019.