Agenda Packets - 2012/05/07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item 06 May 7, 2012, Work Session Page 2 Staff has met with Fire Chief Nyle Zikmund, who confirms that the fire department could assist in the short term with fire inspections, but a long term solution would require allocating part of someone’s time for Mounds View at an undisclosed cost. A better solution to addressing the City’s fire marshaling needs however already exists within our employee ranks: Jeremiah Anderson, Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector. Chief Zikmund confirms that Jeremiah Anderson is certified and qualified to be a fire marshal and Chief Zikmund would support this assignment. The benefit of Mr. Anderson assuming the fire marshal responsibilities is that there would be no learning curve, no training and no shift in policy or philosophy. The one drawback is that Mr. Anderson already has many responsibilities, although technology enhancements have improved workflow and efficiencies. Mr. Anderson believes he would have the time to handle the additional responsibilities, especially considering he is already doing inspections on many of these same properties already. With the potential addition of the Citizen Mobile Access app, continued code enforcement support from the Public Services Officer and perhaps supplemental inspections by the planner position, Staff agrees the reassignment of fire marshal duties to Mr. Anderson might be the best option, given the alternatives. To compensate Mr. Anderson for these additional responsibilities, Staff would recommend following the City’s policy approved by the Council via Resolution 5626, which would warrant an additional 5% compensation. After three to six months, Staff would recommend assessing the arrangement and make a determination then as to whether the reassignment should become permanent. If so, Staff would then recommend conducting a job audit and HAY point analysis to ascertain an appropriate rate of pay. If not, then staff could entertain a coverage plan with the fire department. At the next City Council Meeting, Staff will be requesting City Council approval to hire Don Burda as a Temporary Building Inspector. Don Burda has assisted the City in the past by providing back up support building inspection services, and assisting Staff in issuing building permits. This Temporary Building Inspector position would be an hourly, part-time, non-exempt, non-union position, with no City benefits. Staff recommends an hourly wage of $20/hour. The duration of this position would be less than three (3) months. Recommendation: Staff recommends discussion on the following: 1. Review revised Building Official Job Description 2. Discuss options relating to the Fire Marshal duties Respectfully submitted, Desaree Crane