CCWS 12-07-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - DECEMBER 7.1998 3 . Staff informed the Council that the City of Shoreview had reduced their 1998 operating increase request by the Department by approximately fifty percent. Staff advised Council that the Department was currently in the process of hiring a full-time secretary, and that they were also pursuing someone to provide Fire Marshal services as Mark Bishop would no longer be providing those services to the organization. Staff and Councilmembers expressed their disappointment that these two major budget items had not been postponed until 1999 when the Joint Fire Board was intact. Councilmember Malone expressed his concern that no more capital funds be expended on Station #1 without the City being able to take ownership of the building. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that, as a large portion offunding for the ShoreviewlNorth Oaks Station No.2 construction project had come out of the TCAAP funding source, any additional Arden Hills capital expenditures should utilize this same source. Staff was directed to exclude the capital request, and proceed with the requested budget allotment of$1 74,360 to the LJVFD for their 1999 operating budget. . 2. Half-Time Building Inspector Position Mr. Fritsinger reported that, as part of the previous realignment of the Community Development Director position, discussion took place regarding the possible need for a half-time Building Inspector position, if the level of activity for building inspections continued. Building permit valuation is projected at $30 Million this year, exceeding the 1997 total. The number of building permits has also increased by approximately twenty-five percent (25%). Mr. Fritsinger advised that the City had been approached by the City of Shoreview regarding interest in sharing a Building Inspeetor. Staff believes that this Inspector would be appropriate for 1998, and would recommend a maximum one-year commitment for the proposed cost-sharing. The percentage of time, number of available days, and other items would be worked out with Shoreview. Staff was looking for Council direction on whether the City was supportive of additional conversations regarding a joint venture. Mr. Ringwald reported that estimates were that one Building Official can typically handle an annual permit valuation of $ I 2 - 15 Million, but the City had been exceeding that over the last two years. Mr. Ringwald stated that this was . evident in the reporting and daily office work that was not being completed. Discussion involved the projected residential and commercial permits and revenue for 1999.