3.3. SR 05-23-1994
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AGENDA ITEM 3.3
MEMORANDUM
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: STEPHEN ROHLF, BUILDING
AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: MAYll'199~R~
SUBJECT: HIRING AN ADDITIONAL BUILDING
INSPECTOR
Staff is recommending that an additional residential building inspector be hired as soon as
possible. We are requesting permission from the City Council to advertise for this
position. We are recommending a salary range of $13.82 to $16.46 per hour with a 6
month probationary period.
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The need for an additional inspector is immediate. One inspector for each 150 homes is
recommended. That is one inspector that does not do plan checks, plumbing inspections,
or mechanical inspections. Our residential inspector does all three of these and it is likely
that we will have 200 homes built this year. As of the end of April of this year, we have
had 50 new home starts compared to 19 by the end of April last year. We have also had
141 total permits as of the end of April this year compared to 86 total permits at the end
of April, 1993.
Besides residential inspections, we need immediate help with commercial inspections. It
is likely that 1994 will be a record year for the valuation of construction for commercial
and industrial permits. Once an additional inspector is put on board for residential
inspections, Terry Zajac would have time freed up for commercial inspections.
Staff is also recommending that the Building and Zoning Department initiates a rental
inspection program. Rental inspections would be the primary duty of one of the
residential inspectors in the off construction months (winter). However, if time permits,
both residential inspectors could do rental inspections in the winter. In essence, having
both residential inspectors do rental inspections in the off construction months would be
the equivalent of having a rental inspection inspector doing these type of inspections year
round, but would allow us to concentrate on building inspections during the busy months.
If the Council agrees with this strategy, the Building and Zoning Department will have a
rental inspection ordinance and fee structure ready this fall, which is when we would have
time to do the inspections.
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P.O. Box 490 · 13065 Orono Parkway · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
Building Inspector
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There is a definite immediate need for an additional inspector to aid in both residential
and commercial inspections. Having the residential inspectors do rental inspections in
the winter months not only keeps the inspectors busy year round, but eliminates the need
for hiring a building inspector and a rental inspector; it saves hiring one employee. We
look forward to discussing this issue with you further at Monday night's meeting.
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insp-SR Council