1l. Plumbing/Heating Inspector and Fee Schedule CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
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690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937-1900
1 MEMORANDUM
TO: Don Ashworth, City Manager
' FROM: Jim Chaffee, Public Safety Director
DATE: February 12 , 1988
SUBJ: Plumbing/Heating Inspector
1 BACKGROUND
On Wednesday, January 27 , 1988 , we received notice that our
1 plumbing inspector, Hubert Forcier, was seeking medical treatment
and would be unavailable for plumbing inspections for a two-week
period. We made arrangements for an independent plumbing inspec-
tor to fill the void. On February 9 , 1988 , we were notified that
Hubert Forcier was in fact going to retire from doing inspections
on the advice of his doctor.
' Consequently, we are now faced with the burden or opportunity of
finding a plumbing inspector. As you may recall, we have
researched the possiblity of a mechanical inspector to carry out
' both plumbing and heating inspections.
The full-time employment of a mechanical inspector would be uti-
lized in a multiple role. He/she would be able to assist Ron and
Steve during the busy season with generalized inspections , i .e.
footings or insulation, in addition to the heating/plumbing
inspections.
' ANALYSIS
' Our research on a heating permit system involved a fee structure
similar to our existing plumbing permit fees based on the number
of fixtures, i .e. sinks , commodes, showers , etc. We also
researched a fee structure that is also common with municipali-
ties based on job valuation. After careful consideration between
the two systems , we decided to support the below fee structure
based on job valuation.
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Don Ashworth
February 12 , 1988
Page 2
Job Valuation Fee
$0 - $1,000 2% of job value, minimum $20 .00
$1,001 - $10 ,000 $20 .00 for first $1,000 plus $1 . 25
for each additional $100 .00 or frac-
tion thereof , to and including
$10,000
$10 ,001 - $50,000 $132 .50 for the first $10 ,000 plus
$1 .00 for each additional $100 .00 or
fraction thereof, to and including
$50 ,000
Greater than $50 ,001 $532 .50 for the first $50 ,000 plus
$7 .50 for each additional $1,000 or
fraction thereof ,
This heating permit fee structure is similar to Eden Prairie' s
and is simple to understand and use. At least that was our con-
sensus
when looking at the compilation of a future-based fee
structure.
A very conservative estimate of heating permit revenue follows, '
based on the suggested fee structure.
1 . Single-family housing permits 250 300 '
2 . Average heating job valuation (SFH) $3 ,500 .00 $3 ,500 . 00
3 . Heating permit fee on $3 ,500 valuation $ 51 . 25 $ 51 .25 '
4 . Heating permit revenue $12 ,812 .50 $15 ,375 . 00
These figures are conservative because they do not take into con-
sideration commercial buildings nor do they take into account
remodeling jobs . '
The projected plumbing permit revenue for 1988 is $30 ,000 , but out
of necessity to balance the budget, these dollars were reallo-
cated
to the general fund. In effect, this left $0 in the code
enforcement budget to pay a plumbing inspector.
On the other hand, estimated permit revenue for 1987 (building,
plan check and septic) fell $31 ,341.95 short of actual revenue
received. This additional revenue over what was projected for
1987 could be redirected as an amendment to the 1988 budget. '
These dollars coupled with projected heating permit revenue
total $44 ,154. 45 and would then cover anticipated expenditures
for a mechanical inspector plus a support vehicle.
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' Don Ashworth
February 12 , 1988
Page 3
' We would not suggest a starting salary lower than $27 ,000 for a
mechanical inspector. Using a 20% benefit cost addition, the
total personal services budget for this position would be
$32 ,400 . The remaining $11,754 . 45 could be used to purchase the
aforementioned support vehicle.
' RECOMMENDATION
We have already tested the waters , so to speak, and we feel con-
fident that there are mechanical inspectors available to fulfill
our needs . We therefore recommend the following:
1 . Implementation of the heating permit system as presented.
2 . 1988 budget amendment redirecting 1987 permit revenue overrun
dollars to the 1988 code enforcement personal services budget
' and to the equipment replacement fund.
3 . The hiring of a full-time mechanical inspector and the
' purchase of a support vehicle.
ANCILLARY NOTE
Hubert Forcier would not reveal the nature of his medical
problems if in fact there were any. He stated that he was not
"feeling as spry as he use to" and that all the medical tests
' were not back yet. He said that it is tough for him to get
around in the winter and that he might consider moving to a
warmer climate.
Hubert' s retirement will provide him with a comfortable living
after having .spent the last ten years working as Chanhassen' s
plumbing inspector . Although he is 84 years of age, Hubert
' appears to be the pillar of strength with a handgrip firmer than
many. Hubert' s willingness , no, his insistance on continuing at
his chosen profession lends credence to the new breed of
octogenarian.
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