3.4. SR 04-07-2008REQUEST FOR ACTION
To Item Number
Ci ~ Council 3.4.
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared 6y
Consent A xi17, 2008 Bruce A. West, Fixe Chief
Item Description Reviewed by
Authorization to Proceed with Hiring Process for Paxt-Time Lori ohnson, Ci ~ Administratar
Fire Inspector Reviewed by
Lauren Wi er, Human Resources
Action Requested
I am requesting Council approval of the attached job description and authorization to advertise fox a paxt-
time (20 hours per week) fue inspector.
Background/Discussion
As the Mayor and City CouncIl are aware, I have had numerous discussions with the City of Otsego
referencing not only the future construction of a fire station, hiring additional firefighters, purchasing
equipment, but also starting a fire inspection program in the City of Otsego. Mike Robertson, Otsego
City Administrator, and I have discussed apart-time Fixe Inspector from the Elk River Fire Department
conducting fire inspections within all of the City of Otsego.
The Ciry of Otsego has budgeted approxunately 1080 hours ut 2008 to be dedicated to inspections in
existing commercial, utdustxial and retail businesses in Otsego. The entire cost of the part-time inspector
will be the responsibility of the City of Otsego. I discussed with Finance Director Tim Simon a proposed
hourly rate which was presented and agreed to by Otsego City Administrator Mike Robertson. I applaud
the City of Otsego with the proactive approach of starting the fire inspection program in their
community.
I met with Lauren Wipper, Human Resources Representative and reviewed the job description and
established the pay grade fox the position. City Administrator Lori Johnson has also reviewed and
approved the part-time fire inspector's job description. It is my anticipation to hire one of our paid on-
call firefighters who meets the minimum job qualifications fox this part-time fire inspector's position.
Financial Impact
The City of Otsego will be billed fox each inspection hoot at the rate of $22.30 for the fire inspections
(existuig commercial, industrial, retail businesses) conducted within the City of Otsego. The cost
associated with each inspection shall include the inspector's preparation time prior to the inspection,
actual inspection on-site, paperwork, inspection reports, documentation on firehouse software, and
follow-up inspections required to complete compliance with the International Fixe Code.
Attachments
• Job description.
S:ACouocd\BmceA2008\Paz[-time H'ue Inspec[onduc
Action Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
S:ACwncil\B~uce\2008\Yaa-¢me Pipe Inspectocdoc
~ City of Elk River
Elk Part-time Fire Inspector
R1Ver Position Description
Department: Immediate Supervisor:
Fire Fixe Chief
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
6 Non-Exem t 3/2008
Positions Supervised:
N/A
Position Summary
The Paxt-time Fixe Inspector interprets, applies, and enforces fire and life safety codes. The position
conducts inspections of new and existing buildings in our fire department service area for
compliance with the fire code and local fire safety ordinances to minimize loss of life and property;
rovides the ublic with fire safe education.
Essential Functions
1. Assists Fixe Marshal in performing inspection activities.
A. Reviews past inspection reports.
B. Assists in planning, pxiaritizing, and scheduling fire inspection activities.
C. Investigates complaints of fire safety, regulation violations and issues corrective
orders fox such violation(s) where appropriate.
D. Conducts follow-up inspections fox compliance.
E. Refers any fire code violation issues to the Fite Marshal and/ox Authority having
Jurisdiction (AHJ) fox possible citations.
F. Communicates other code violations found during inspections to proper agencies.
U. Assists in maintaining all xecoxds.
H. Identifies any hazardous materials and determuies proper safety precautions for
handling and use, including storage requirements.
I. Assists in the review and evaluation of plans and specifications fox fire safety
equipment in new and existing buildings.
J. Assists in the review of building construction and renovation plans for compliance
with applicable codes, laws, rules and regulations.
K. Assists in the evaluation of fire protection and/or suppression systems.
2. Assists Fire Marshal in performing code enforcement activities.
A. Works in cooperation with all other city departments and inspectors on code
enforcement activities.
B. Coordinates and works cooperatively with other public or private agencies.
3. Petforms fire suppression activities.
A. Assists in maintaining the department in a continual state of readiness in order to
deal with emergencies effectively.
B. Assists at scene of fixes and emergencies as needed.
C. Assists in evaluation of fue prevention and control policies by keeping abreast of
new methods and incorporate appropriate new methods in department's operation.
D. Assists in maintaining appropriate xecoxds on fire occurrences, equipment,
personnel, trainitg, and all items relating to the fire department
Page 1
4. Performs communication and administration activities.
A. Receives and responds to inquiries from contractors and subcontractors.
B. Provides assistance in responding to inspection inquiries and complaints.
C. Conducts station tours and fire extinguishes training.
D. Uses a computer to operate database management, Firehouse Software and CAD (ie:
Fire Zone pre-plan software).
L. Participates in schools and seminars pertaining to fire inspections.
F. Assists with public fire safety education efforts.
5. Assists in performing underground utility inspection activities.
A. Performs job site facility inspections.
B. Plans, prioritizes and schedules facility inspection activities.
C. Assists in and evaluates the effectiveness of the facility inspection program.
D. Determines facility violations, reviews with contractor and issues written plans and
documents all inspections by letter.
E. Contacts Minnesota State Fire Marshal's office to update facility breaches within our
community.
F. Conducts follow up facility inspections fox compliance.
G. Refers any facility violation issues to the Fire Chief fox further action.
H. Communicates facility violations found during facility inspections to proper agencies.
1. Maintains all underground unlit}- facility inspection records.
J. Identifies any hazardous materials and determines proper safety precautions fox
handling and use, including storage requirements.
6. Assists in pexfomung underground utility enforcement activities.
A. Works in cooperation with all other city departments on underground utility
enforcement activities.
B. Coordinates and works cooperatively with other public and private agencies.
Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
^ Knowledge of fire fighting equipment pxacdces, principles, methods, and techniques utilized
in modern fire suppression.
^ Knowledge of buIlding and fire codes, fire prevention laws and regulations.
^ Knowledge of fue hazards and fire safety.
^ Knowledge of public education principles.
^ Skilled in database management and general computer operation.
^ Knowledge in all aspects of Gopher State One Call, State, Federal and OSHA rules and
regulations.
^ Ability to communicate and establish effective working relationship with contractors,
subcontcactoxs, outside agencies and others.
^ Ability to express oneself clearly, concisely and accurately in F,nglish both orally and in
writing.
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Part-time Fire Inspector Position Description
^ Abihty to work independently and work a flexible schedule, including evenings and
weekends.
^ Ability to develop, mauitain, and oxgaruze fine uispection reports by computer.
^ Ability to interact and develop positive relationships with contractors, subcontractors and
other governmental and private agencies to facilitate a comprehensive inspection program.
^ Ability to understand and follow applicable OSH,g standards.
Minimum Qualifications
^ Valid driver's license.
^ Thee years training and experience with a fire department.
^ Certified Firefighter 2.
^ Certified First Responder.
^ Certified Fixe Inspector 1.
Preferred Qualifications
^ GIS/CAD computer knowledge.
^ Post secondary training in the field of fire prevention and code enforcement.
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PaxY-time File Inspector Posirioa Description