HomeMy WebLinkAboutC33150 - Temp Staffing Svcs - Bldg Inspctn SvcsContract No. C33150
REQUEST:
SUBMITTED BY:
DATE:
Recommendation:
CITY OF PALM DESERT
BUILDING & SAFETY DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
Authorize the City Manager to engage contract building inspection
services in an amount not to exceed $40,000; and authorize the City
Manager to execute a contract with a temporary staffing services agency
to provide these services.
Russell A. Grance, Director of Building and Safety
November 14, 2013
By Minute Motion, 1) authorize the City Manager to engage building inspection
services in an amount not to exceed $40,000; 2) authorize the City Manager to
execute a contract with a temporary staffing service agency to provide these
services.
Executive Summary:
There has been an unanticipated increase in the level of construction activity throughout the
City. Current economic forecasts indicate that building activity will continue to increase during
the next two years. Staff regularly evaluates the level of building/construction activity in
relation to City services such as plan review and inspection with the goal of maintaining a
business friendly and efficient process. In order to maintain our historically high levels of
customer service and inspection scheduling it is necessary to augment current inspection
staffing levels. The most expeditious solution to the City's short term inspection needs is the
use of a contract inspector. The City's current contract with Willdan may serve these needs
in the short run but the City would benefit from the City Manager's authorization to execute a
contract with another temporary services agency if the need arises. Although Willdan is
available in the short term, staff believes there may be a more cost effective approach
available. If the need continues the City may consider hiring additional full-time building
inspection staff.
Backciround or Discussion:
The continued unanticipated level of construction throughout the City is driving the need for
expanded contract professional engineering services as it relates to Inspection Services. The
inspection staff has been averaging the following inspections per day in the last few months:
• July
• August
• September
22 (4 inspectors)
25 (4 inspectors)
23 (4 inspectors)
Contract No. C33150
Staff Report
INCREASE TO PLAN REVIEW / INSPECTION SERVICE CONTRACTS
November 14, 2013
Page 2
The national benchmark as established by Insurance Service Office, Inc (ISO) for the number
of inspections per day per full time inspector is ten (10). This benchmark has been proved to
be realistic over the course of surveying 14,000 building departments. The number of
inspections takes into account current workload (type of inspection activity) and travel time.
This ensures that the inspector is provided sufficient time in order to conduct safe and
thorough inspections.
In order to maintain our historic level of response time (between 24 and 48 hours of request)
and avoid the excessive deferral of inspection appointments (currently as high as 7 days)
staff recommends the following solutions:
1. Hire a contract inspector using one of our current consultants at a cost of $95.00 per
hour ($3,800.00 per 40 hour week). (Wildan)
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with a temporary staffing services
agency, such as MuniTemps, to provide contract staff as needed at a competitive
price.
It should be noted that utilizing a contract inspector may be sufficient to cover short term
staffing needs, but that they come with challenges such as training on our process and
computer systems, learning our city geography and embracing our high level of customer
service expectations. This inspector will only be used on an as needed basis, duration and
number of days per week will dependant on the inspection demand.
Fiscal Analysis
Approval will result in increased contract services (Acct. # 110-4420-422-3010), however the
cost for these services is recoupable through plan check and permit fees collected for
projects.
Submitted By:
Russell A. Grance, Director of Building & Safety —� / _ ; /
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Original on File with Citlerk's Office
CITY COUNCIL A!' 'ION
APPROVED DENIED
RECEIVED OTHER
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
John Wohlmuth, City Manager