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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFY18-19 - Swing Shift Code Compliance Staffing Svcs • JIN STAFF REPORT CITY OF PALM DESERT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MEETING DATE: June 14, 2018 PREPARED BY: Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development REQUEST: Approval to utilize Willdan for swing shift Code Compliance staffing services for Fiscal Year 2018/2019 in the amount not to exceed $125,000. Recommendation By Minute Motion: 1. Authorize an agreement with Willdan in the amount not to exceed $125,000 for contracted swing shift Code Compliance staffing services for Fiscal Year 2018/2019. Funds are available in the Fiscal Year 2018/2019 annual budget. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute any agreement necessary to effectuate the above action. If the above actions are approved, funds will be available in the proposed FY 2018/19 budget. Strategic Plan Objective Land Use Housing and Open Space Priority 2: Rationale: City to maintain and enhance Palm Desert's quality of life as an inclusive community which supports and expands a strong economic base. The City Council's recent action on short-term rentals (STRs) was a rigorous discussion centered on quality of life within the various residential zones of Palm Desert. Approval of staffs recommendations will implement a swing shift Code Compliance officer, which is one of the most critical pieces of the new operational standards. Having staff on duty in the evening hours should aid in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life within Palm Desert residential neighborhoods. Background Analysis At its meeting of October 26, 2017, the City Council authorized staff to add a full-time employee to the Code Compliance Division with the purpose of enhanced enforcement and monitoring of STR permits. The newly updated STR ordinance went into effect on January June 14, 2018 — Staff Report Willdan: Code Compliance Staffing Services Page 2 of 2 13, 2018, and began swing shift Code Compliance staffing shortly thereafter. The presence of Code Compliance staff in the night-time hours has proven extremely useful in managing STR operations. Under the direction of the Code Compliance Supervisor, the contracted swing shift officer proactively patrols active STRs while also responding to calls for service to the City's STR Hotline. As an ancillary benefit, a nighttime presence has been helpful with other issues such as illegal dumping, homelessness issues, and monitoring various City-owned facilities, etc. Willdan has existing agreements with the City for temporary staffing services and is authorized to utilize City vehicles and equipment while working on behalf of the City. Staff is successfully utilizing the swing shift officer between 32 to 40 hours weekly; Thursday to Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The regular schedule can be augmented during peak season as needed to cover special events (i.e. festivals, tennis tournament, etc.). Fiscal Analysis The Willdan proposal (attached) indicates a billing rate of $60 per hour for a Code Officer I. At this rate, the City would incur costs of approximately $100,000 to $125,000 for a contract code officer for Fiscal Year 2018/2019. Staff believes utilizing a contracted swing shift officer for Fiscal Year 2018/2019 is the most practical way to operate this program. Staff will evaluate the program in preparation for the Fiscal Year 2019/2020 budget to determine a long-term strategy if warranted. LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL CITY MANAGER Approved as to Form REVIEW N/A /��i�• 7 Robert W. Hargreaves Ryan Stendell Bret Moore Lauri Aylaian City Attorney Director of Community Director of Finance City Manager Development ATTACHMENTS: 1. Willdan Proposal Fiscal Year 2018/2019 2. Sample Case History Report 1:474-7; W1 LLDAN A Engineering May 22, 2018 Mr.Pedro Rodriguez Code Compliance Supervisor City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert,CA 92260 Subject: Code Enforcement Services Dear Mr.Rodriguez: Willdan appreciates the opportunity to submit this proposal to provide contract code enforcement services to the City of Palm Desert. We have outlined our approach to the services requested and presented our key staff in the attached document. Willdan Engineering has provided municipal consulting services including code compliance for over 50 years to cities and counties throughout the State of California.We have provided interim, part-time and full time code enforcement officers to various jurisdictions. The proposed Project Manager,Mr.Al Brady,will provide general oversight and will monitor service delivery on behalf of Willdan and the City of Palm Desert. Mr.Brady is supported by several other leaders in the profession who collectively have over 70 years'experience in developing and managing code programs. Our team has provided contract code services to numerous clients in California,Arizona and Nevada. Together,these individuals can provide the City of Palm Desert with a hands-on,experienced team,capable of efficiently dealing with all aspects of the assigned project. We look forward to discussing our qualifications and ideas for project implementation with you. If you have any questions or require additional information,please call me at(951)454-3539. Respectfully submitted, WILIDAN ENGINEERING 111111161-xav aRTA -m:s M.Guerra,CBO Al Brady Dir: or of Building and Safety Code Enforcement anager ':uerra@willdan.com abrady@willdan.com 714.940.6300 X6289 657.223.8525 Engineering and Planning I Energy Efficiency and 5usialnabilfty I Financial and Economic Consulting I National Preparedness and lnteroperability 909.386.0200 1800.769.7517 I tax:909.888.5107 1650 E.Hospitality Lane,Suite 250,San Bernardino,CA 92408.3317 I www.wildan.com CITY OF PALM DESERT Table of Contents Firm Profile 1 Scope of Work 2 Project Manager 4 Fee Schedule 4 Related Experience 5 References 7 city of Palm Desert i' ' COMPREHENSIVE Code Enforcement Services INNOVATIVE .a. TRUSTED CITY OF PALM DESERT Firm Profile Founded in 1964,Willdan Group,Inc.is a leading nationwide provider of Willdan has been in business value-added professional technical and consulting services.The primary for over.53 years markets Willdan serves are:municipal engineering, planning,and staff augmentation;infrastructure and transportation;energy;economic and financial analysis;and homeland security and emergency management.The company serves these four complementary markets through its four service segments—engineering(Willdan Engineering),energy efficiency(Willdan Energy Solutions), public finance(Willdan Financial Services)and homeland security(Willdan Homeland Solutions). Willdan has a reputation for delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget.Rooted in Willdan's corporate culture is its focus on quality customer service.The company has more than 600 employees,including licensed engineers,program and construction managers,financial analysts,planners, and other skilled professionals. Willdan benefits from well-established relationships with local and state government agencies,investor- owned and municipal utilities, and private sector commercial and industrial firms throughout the United States.The company served more than 800 distinct clients in 2015.Headquartered in Anaheim,the company operates from offices in more than a dozen states across the US. Willdan Engineering Willdan Engineering(Willdan),a California Corporation and subsidiary of WGI,specializes in solutions tailored to the unique needs of municipalities and other local government agencies.Services range from full-time,in-house staffing to interim or part-time assistance on a project-by-project basis. Willdan's understanding of public agency needs and issues is unique in the industry. In addition to the significant portion of our staff that have served in public agency management positions prior to joining Willdan,Willdan has had lUilldan's business model is numerous assignments with over 60%of the cities and counties in centered on the public sector. California for building officials,city engineers,planning directors, ire can function as part of the traffic engineers,and other public agency staff members. With our City of Palm Desert'team depth of experience,expertise,knowledge and resources,Willdan is without a conflict of interest. able to offer practical solutions that are timely,cost effective,and that meet the needs of individual communities.The diversity of our . staff experience is an added value of our professional services. Building and Safety/Engineering Services Willdan's experience and strength in plan review and inspection services encompasses the complete range of technical disciplines, including permit issuance,building inspection,grading inspection,accessibility inspection,Code Enforcement, CASp services, OSHPD III plan check and inspection,flood zone experience, building plan review,and fire-life safety. Willdan maintains an excellent working knowledge of all applicable codes and standards including Caltrans Standard Plans and Specifications,APWA Standards and Specifications,AWWA Standards and Specifications, California Building Codes, CEQA, and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and California Title 24 requirements on accessibility. The inspection and plan review staff maintain current certifications and attends training on a regular basis,to stay current with industry technologies and standards. Specific certifications and education are delineated in staff resumes herein. City of Palm Desert WCOMPREHENSIVE INNOVATIVE Code Enforcement Services TRUSTED Page 1 CITY OF PALM DESERT Scope of Work Code Enforcement Services Code enforcement services are among the most complex and challenging services that government agencies provide. According to nationwide studies, property values,crime rates, insurance rates, business development,and the -.,A _ ,ti . sense of community pride can be directly impacted by the successes of a jurisdiction's code enforcement program. In an effort to aid jurisdictions with the difficult task of maintaining the quality of t=. - ' '' 1A• life for its citizens through such programs,Willdan has assembled a quality staff r"' with extensive public agency experience in the areas of neighborhood • =-� .' preservation,housing inspection and code enforcement. Our expertise includes � f } the development and implementation of inspection programs designed to t'tZ ensure public safety,promote community involvement and protect quality of • \ • r 1 life issues through community education and enforcement of municipal and related codes including preparation for,and participation in, prosecution by city and district attorneys. Willdan provides the following Code Enforcement Services: • Inspection services for HUD section 8 programs. • Review,study and analysis of existing programs. • Development of ordinances and writing of grant proposals. • Neighborhood cleanup and improvement programs. • Community education programs. • Development of educational materials. • Provide project managers and/or supervisors as onsite"employees". • Provide fulltime,part-time, interim and/or weekend staff as onsite"employees" • Vehicle abatement and parking enforcement. • Assist in enforcement, including preparation and participation in prosecution by city and district attorneys. • The registration and enforcement of vacation rentals. • The regulation of group and/or sober living homes. • Inspection, regulation and enforcement of medicinal marijuana dispensaries. Clty of Palm Desert eCO INNOMPREHEr S VE VATIV Code Enforcement Services E. TRUSTED Page 12 CITY OF PALM DESERT Contract Inspection Services The project shall consist of Willdan staff coordinating with the City of Palm Desert Community Development Department to provide Code Compliance staff to the City. Willdan staff shall conduct all inspections and re-inspections of vacation rentals and will identify and enforce all violations of City's municipal code,ordinances,Jaws and all applicable statutes. Personnel shall issue notifications,letters, citations and warrants when necessary to achieve compliance. Staff will be required to document all complaints received,inspections conducted through photos, notes and correspondences. In addition to the services mentioned above,Willdan employees would provide the following to the City(this is not intended to be a comprehensive list): • Investigate complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of the municipal codes, ordinances,standards and health and safety regulations. • Initiate contact with residents, business representatives,and other parties to explain the nature of the violations and encourage compliance with municipal codes,zoning and land use ordinances, and community standards. • Prepare notices of violation for non-compliance according to applicable codes and regulations. • Prepare reports for cases requiring legal action or civil abatement. • When required,meet with legal counsel and provides testimony on criminal cases. • Maintain records of complaints, inspections,violation notices and other field enforcement activities. • Coordinate with City departments on cases as they relate to code enforcement. • City of Palm Desert COMPREHENSIVE Code Enforcement Services j INNOVATIVE ITRU5TEC Page 13 CITY OF PALM pEBERT Project Manager Al Brady shall be the Project Manager and is fully responsible for seeing that the project is completed in compliance with the provisions of the agreement(see resume attached). Mr.Brady has over 25 years' experience in the code profession has provided contract code services to approximately 50 municipalities in California,Arizona and Nevada. He specializes in developing new code programs,improving existing divisions,revenue enhancement,ordinance revisions,maximizing staff efficiency and enhancing customer relations. Fee Schedule The Wilidan rate for code compliance services is$60.00 dollars an hour for the officer presented in this proposal.It is my understanding that this project will continue for a period of 12 months at between 32 to 40 hours weekly. The total overall cost will depend on the number of hours completed by the employee. I have provided the City with two scenarios below for consideration; TITLE HOURS(WEEKLY) HOURS(YEARLY) RATE TOTAL COST Code Officer 32 1,664 $60.00 $99,840 Code Officer 40 2,080 $60.00 $124,800 City of Palm Desert Nor Code Enforcement Services . .. TRUSTED Page la CITY OF PALM DESERT Related Experience City of Goleta—Project Manager.Provided interim code enforcement staff. County of Orange—Project Manager. Provided the staff of three full time code enforcement officers on a contract basis to address the county's backlog of code enforcement cases. City of Soledad— Project Manager. Developed and implemented a new proactive code enforcement program. Willdan provided a contract code enforcement officer to staff this program for over one year. City of Fountain Hills, Az — Project Manager. Developed and implemented a town code enforcement department. The scope of work included hiring staff,training and supervision for an eight-month period. City of Irwindale—Project Manager.Provided municipal code enforcement services including monitoring of a local racetrack for compliance with the City Sound Ordinance on an interim basis. City of Walnut—Project Manager. Provided interim code enforcement staff who were responsible for enforcing the City's Municipal Code. City of South Pasadena—Project Manager.Provided interim code enforcement staff. City of Irvine—Project Manager. Providing interim code enforcement staff. City of Laguna Hills—Project Manager.Assisted the city in the development of a public education program concerning the city's code program. City of Los Alamitos-Directed and participated in review of the city's code enforcement policy and procedures,and made recommendations for changes as necessary. Additionally,provided interim code enforcement staff and a Community Development Director. City of Hawaiian Gardens—Project Manager. Assisted the City of Hawaiian Gardens in developing and implementing an Administrative Citation program. City of Rosemead-Project Manager. Provided interim code enforcement staff to inspect a targeted areas of the city to facilitate neighborhood improvements. City of San Clemente—Project Manager.Provided interim Code Enforcement staff to assist with their Code Enforcement Program. City of Superior,AZ-Direct and participate in the review of the city's code enforcement policy and procedures,and make recommendations for changes as necessary. Development and Implementation of a Nuisance and an Administrative Citation Ordinance. W" COMPREHENSIVE. INNOVATIVE . TRUSTED. CITY Or PALM DESERT City of La Canada Flintridge-Direct and participate in the review of the city's code enforcement policy and procedures,and make recommendations for changes as necessary. Development and Implementation of a Nuisance,Cost Recovery and an Administrative Citation Ordinances. Provided interim code enforcement staff to conduct inspections and facilitate neighborhood improvements. City of Adelanto—Project Manager. Provided interim Code Enforcement staff to assist with their Code Enforcement Program. City of Del Mar-Provided interim code enforcement staff to the City and managed their entire Code program. It should be noted that the projects listed above is not a comprehensive list of all our past code clientele but represents a small portion of the Municipalities we have served. We have also successfully provided service to the following jurisdictions: • Bradbury • City of Palm Desert • City of Rancho Mirage • Costa Mesa • Desert Hot Springs • El Monte • Folsom • Fountain Valley • Laguna Woods • Pasadena • Perris • Rancho Cordova • Sacramento • San Diego County . • San Jose • San Juan Capistrano • San Luis Obispo • Sierra Madre • Ventura • West Hollywood City of Palm Desert COINNOVMPRATEHENSIVEIV E. .IV Code Enforcement Services TRUSTED Page 16 CITY DF PALM DESERT References City of Moreno Valley Allen Brock 14177 Frederick Street Moreno Valley,CA 92552 (951)413-3354 Project: Provided interim code enforcement staff. City of San Juan Capistrano Sergio Klotz 3244 Paseo Adelanto San Juan Capistrano,CA 92675 (949)234-4568 Project: Provided interim code enforcement staff. City of La Canada Flintridge Robert Stanley 1327 Foothill Boulevard La Canada Flintridge,CA 91011 (818)780-8881 Project: Provided interim code enforcement staff. County of Orange Terry Cox 300 North Flower Street Santa Ana, CA 92703 (562)233-8969 Project: Provided interim code enforcement staff In closing,Willdan has provided code compliance services to numerous different California Cities and Counties.We are confident our team can provide the customer service based code compliance program the City is seeking.We hope this proposal meets with your approval. The resumes for our proposed team are on the pages that follow. V City of Palm Desert COMPREHENSIVE Code Enforcement Seces INNOVATIVE TRUSTED Page 17 CITY OF PALM DESERT Michael Morris Code Enforcement Officer Education Mr.Morris is a Willdan Engineering code enforcement officer with over 12 years of municipal San Bernardino Valley government experience. He communicates effectively with both internal staff and the general College,Police Academy public. Mr.Morris strength is establishing rapport with superiors,and co-workers. He is Certification organized,self-motivated,enthusiastic and always willing to learn. Michael demonstrates Registration/Certification professionalism and a strong personal image at all times. Mr.Morris is available to provide P.C. 832, State of California code enforcement services to our Southern California clients. California Association of Work Experience Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO), Certified Code City of Rancho Mirage. Code Compliance Officer. As a code enforcement officer,Mr.Morris Enforcement Officer was responsible for managing a case load throughout the City in support of its Code Compliance 12 years'experience team. His assignment included the reviewing,processing,and closing of code enforcement cases related to land use,zoning,building,nuisance,and property maintenance violations within the jurisdiction.Michael was also responsible for investigating violations within mobile home parks and animal control Issues. City of Twentynine Palms. Code Compliance Officer.Mr.Morris conducted field investigations and site surveillance of residential,commercial and industrial properties. He enforced all applicable code provisions,ordinances and statutes;issued infraction and misdemeanor citations for violations regarding zoning,litter,abandoned vehicles,weeds and debris accumulation. Michael photographed evidence,prepared diagrams,interviewed potential witnesses and composed letters to ensure remedial action was taken;received complaints from citizens;issued correction notices and performed abatements when necessary. City of Desert Hot Springs.Code Enforcement Officer. Mr.Morris performed field inspections and enforced municipal code provisions(such as animal regulations,business license requirements,and building permits).He explained regulations relating to municipal code provisions including zoning,land use,planning,and design review.Michael responded to citizen complaints regarding potential code violations;conducted research of property ownership,past permits and all applicable code regulations.Mr.Morris coordinated enforcement actions with other City departments and other governmental agencies as necessary. City of La Quinta.Code Compliance/Animal Control Officer. Mr.Morris performed field Inspections and enforced municipal code provisions(such as animal regulations,business license requirements,and building permits).He explained regulations relating to municipal code provisions including zoning,land use,planning,and design review.Michael responded to citizen complaints regarding potential code violations;conducted research of property ownership,past permits and all applicable code regulations.Mr.Morris coordinated enforcement actions with other City departments and other governmental agencies as necessary. City of Palm Desert WCOMPREHENSIVE INNOVA Code Enforcement Services INNOVATIVE. TRUSTED Page 18 CITY OF PALM DESERT ,' 11 i� 4; DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Lu „�• � INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Wallace Baker, Hearing Examiner From: Michael Morris, Code Compliance Officer Date: April 17, 2018 Subject: Appeal of Administrative Citation No 1835 for property address, SIMI 0111111111111 Palm Desert, CA Case no: 18-629 April 4, 2018 I received an email complaint with an AirBnB website that the above property address was advertising their home as a short term rental. April 5, 2018 I conducted a routine inspection by knocking on the door and made contact with an occupant who stated he rented the property for three (3) days. Issued Administrative Cite no. 1835 for $5,000.00 for violation of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 5.10.050—Short Term Rental Permit Required. (Exhibit A) April 6, 2018 Staff processed and mailed U.S. Certified and regular mail an Invoice for Administrative Cite no. 1835 along with a Short Term Rental Cease and Desist letter. (Exhibit B) April 10, 2018 Property owner,11111111111111111111.1110 met with Director of Community Development, Ryan Stendell and myself to discuss the appeal process and pleaded with the Director to waive the deposit fine of $5,000. Per the Director, the City waived the deposit administrative fines however, MB must submit a letter of appeal, and was informed if the Hearing Examiner upholds the fines, she must pay the fine. Case no 18-629-Appeal Administrative Citation no. 1835 for Property Address: 73650 Pinyon Street, Palm Desert, CA Property Owner. Marta Chalkovska April 17, 2018 Page 2 April 16, 2018 On April 16, 2018, 11111111111111111111. emailed a letter of appeal to schedule an administrative appeal hearing for Administrative Cite no. 1835. Summary: At the time the citation was issued the City confirmed there was no active permit and that the property was being used as a short term rental in violation of Palm Desert Municipal Code section 5.10.050. Respectfully, t ,, 4110A101 e Michael Morris Code Compliance Officer Attachments: