06-07-94 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES City Council June 7, 1994 option. However, he would prefer someone with a planning or public administration background so that the intern could perform other duties not relating to code enforcement. Scalze asked what other cities Little Canada's size do such as Falcon Heiqhts. The Administrator stated that Falcon Heights contracts for buildinq inspections for $6,000 to $8,000 annually and plumbing/mechanical inspections for $4,000 annually. They have their own Fire Marshall and code enforcement is handled by their staff. Hanson stated that PERA, FICA, hospitalization, and vacations are also not paid on Squires since he is a contractual employee. Therefore, there is cost savings in those areas as well. The Administrator stated that the former Building Inspector was paid approximately $20 an hour. However, when PERA, FICA, and other items are factored in, his hourly wage probably equalled that which is paid Squires. The trade-off is Squires is not as readily available. Scalze asked if the Administrator had checked into someone who could work half-time for us and half-time for someone else. The Administrator indicated that North St. Paul has expressed an interest in that option. However, there could be a problem with timing. He stated that Squires currently inspects for North St. Paul and he may be retiring at the end of the year. In addition, Bob Gatti, North St. Paul's City Manager, is retiring soon which inhibits a long-term decision regarding this matter. The Administrator stated that North St. Paul would be a good match. He indicated that currently they are paying between $18,000 to $25,000 a year for building inspections. He felt that if we could tie in with North St. Paul and possibly Falcon Heights, there would probably be a cost savings. He felt that it was not as great an option as he had once thought. The Administrator felt that if the volume of work available dropped off, we would be locked into a higher salary. If there is too much work, the person could suffer from burn out. Also, back-up during leave periods is a concern. If a full-time person is hired with all the qualifications such as our former Building Inspector, that person may command a high salary. Morelan felt there could be a problem with sharing an inspector with three cities. He felt that those cities may not have the same goals relating to the inspector as ours. However, it may not be as bad with only two cities involved. The Administrator felt that the problems would be minimal depending on the administration staff involved. -3-