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4. Plumbing/heating Inspector/Heating Permit and Fee Schedule /7/ II 4 CITY OF '`-~' •„,,,,t CHANHASSEN , . \\....-L.Li" . ., . , ._ „ 690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317 I (612) 937-1900 MEMORANDUM ITO: Don Ashworth, City Manager IFROM: Jim Chaffee, Public Safety Director - -,_/Z..irWk.__° DATE: March 21, 1988 _...___.__W__,�� ISUBJ: Plumbing and Heating Inspector 3/zi-/,pp I As you are aware, the City Council tabled the employment of a combined plumbing and heating inspector pending further study of staffing needs. Although I would agree that the City' s staffing I needs should be looked at, I do think that the employment of a combined heating plumbing inspector is unique in several ways. First, the need for a heating inspector was suggested at a I meeting last summer, not by City staff, but by the builders them- selves. They voiced their concerns because of the potential danger involved with poorly-designed and installed heating I systems . These dangers included carbon monoxide poisoning from poor ventilation to the fire hazards involved with improper installation. ISecondly, the position of a full-time heating and plumbing inspector is revenue-generating, i .e. fees for plumbing and heating permits . The attached memo from me dated February 12, I1988 outlines the fee structure for the heating permit process. Third, and more complex, is the alternative to a full-time posi- t tion; a contract system. To our knowledge, the City of Chanhassen never had a bona fide contract with Hubert Forcier. Disastrous results could have occurred in today' s litigious society. Many hours of research including attorneys time will be I needed to develop a workable contract for both plumbing and heating. I Finally, the services that we enjoyed from Hubert Forcier are not likely to be repeated under a contract system. Hubert lived at home and because of his age and retirement ( from his previous I employment) he was always available for inspections and/or con- sultation. He was always accessible which will be hard if not impossible to duplicate under a new contract system especially now that we are talking two ( 2 ) positions; heating and plumbing. 1 1 Don Ashworth March 21, 1988 Page 2 It is oar collective professional opinion that the employment of a full-time plumbing and heating inspector is the way to proceed. In addition to plumbing and heating, the new inspector will assist Ron Julkowski and Steve Kirchman in general inspections such as insulation and footings . Both Steve and Ron have indi- cated a need for help especially with the building season fast approaching. Manager' s Recommendation This item was considered two weeks ago and tabled. Reconsideration is in order. The temporary plumbing services being employed by the City are not workable on a long term basis . The current situation is extremely different than that previously existing with Hubert Forcier. The opportunity to infuse this position with heating is workable and well conceived. Approval of the budgetary amendment, as presented on March 14, 1988, is recommended ( summarized below) : "- Plumbing/Heating Inspector: This office would recommend combining these positions . As a separate item in this eve- ning' s packet is a memorandum from the Public Safety Director regarding the retirement of Hubert Forcier. We believe we do have an individual capable of carrying out both plumbing and heating inspections . An oversight did occur in the 1988 budget in deleting Plumbing Inspector expenses. Correction of this problem plus instituting a heating fee schedule can produce total dollars needed for the singular full time position. " $30, 000 101-125-4010 Plumbing/Heating Inspection 1 1 1 1 1 1 II •. CITY OF \ , 1/4 G CHANHASSEN ALI �� � 690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317 14 (612) 937-1900 ' MEMORANDUM TO: Jim Chaffee, Public Safety Director 1 FROM: Scott Harr, Asst. Public Safety Director DATE: March 18, 1988 1 SUBJ: Plumbing Inspections Plumbing/Heating Inspector The purpose of this memo is to provide an update on the status of plumbing inspections in Chanhassen, as well as the recommendation 1 of hiring a plumbing/heating inspector. BACKGROUND 1 The history of this matter is set forth completely in your memo to Don Ashworth dated February 2 , 1988 . In summary, we were unexpectedly left without any plumbing inspection services when Mr. Forcier retired in early February, 1988. As a strictly temporary measure to meet the emergency plumbing 1 inspection needs of the City, we arranged to have Mr. Ed Pierre do plumbing inspections on an "as needed" basis. This arrange- ment was similar to that which we had with Mr. Forcier but for 1 the fact that Mr. Forcier was receiving 80% of the inspection fees as compensation, while Mr. Pierre requested a $20 per inspection fee. Mr. Pierre has continued to provide the indivi- dual inspections on this "as needed" basis . 1 The need for a plumbing inspector continues, as does a most uni- que and timely opportunity to provide Chanhassen with heating 1 inspection services . ANALYSIS 1 The need for a plumbing inspector remains critical . While an independent contractor may provide the minimal inspections necessary, a void remains in that such an individual is not suf- ficiently available to both citizens and City staff for con- sultations . As Chanhassen continues to rapidly grow, such communication becomes imperative. i 1 Jim Chaffee March 18 , 1988 Page 2 RECOMMENDATION The attempt that we made to "test the waters" to determine whether anyone existed that could fill the unique, combined "plumbing and heating inspector" position we conceived resulted in both disappointing and encouraging results . On the one hand, we received only seven responses . Few of these had adequate qualifications, or required salary needs far exceeding what Chanhassen could pay. On the other hand, one interested party appears very well-qualified. Attached please find the resume of Mr. Carl Barke. You and I have personally interviewed him and he was a most interesting ' candidate, exhibiting such important traits as the ability to communicate, a positive personality and an evident knowledge of the plumbing and heating fields . His resume also reflects the unique attributes of being knowledgeable in both the heating and plumbing fields. My background check of him, including contacting both personal , and professional references, resulted in very positive results . Everyone I talked with strongly recommended Mr. Barke. Mr. Barke remains interested in employment as a plumbing/heating inspector for the City of Chanhassen. He has expressed a need for a salary in the $28, 000 per year range, but seemed willing to negotiate to some degree. By the way, the reason he gave for wanting to discontinue his private business is that it is just too consuming, and municipal work would provide a more constant source of employment in his field of choice. RECOMMENDATION . . .to act immediately in hiring Mr. Barke! This is an opportunity ' for the City to get all of our needs met, and then some! Mr . Barke can more than adequately provide plumbing inspections, and work with citizens and City staff. In addition, he can provide heating inspection services, which is an area that has been ignored to date. In view of our continuing growth in both the residential and com- mercial areas, I cannot think of a better opportunity for Chanhassen to take advantage of than employing the likes of Mr . Barke. The difficulty lies in the fact that Mr. Barke is right in the midst of receiving major building project requests . He needs to know immediately whether to continue his private work. If we delay our decision beyond the very immediate future, we will lose a most impressive candidate for this most unusual position. I I believe that this is a very important opportunity for us to con- tinue to meet the growing needs of a growing city. . 1 CITY OF CHANHASSEN . 1 690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317 1 (612) 937-1900 1 MEMORANDUM TO: Don Ashworth, City Manager 1 FROM: Jim Chaffee, Public Safety Director DATE: February 12, 1988 1 SUBJ: Plumbing/Heating Inspector 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. 1 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 1 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 . 1 ANALYSIS 1 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. 1 1 1 II 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. 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. CARL E. BARKE Rt. 3, Box 49 Mankato, MN 56001 O: OFFICE: (507) 345-9240 HOME: (507) 388-7603 CAREER OBJECTIVE: Position as Plumbing - HVAC. Inspector I WORK ,IIISTORY: Complete Plumbing Service - Mankato, MN ' Self-employed 1978 to present Wells Plumbing and Heating - Wells, MN ' Pfeiffer Heating and Air Conditioning - Mankato, MN _ -r Brown Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning - Dallas, TX �.i United States Army, 1970 - 1971, MOS Artillary 14 months Vietnam/Honorable discharge , Hermel Candy & Tobacco Co. - Mankato, MN McQuay - Faribault, MN HVAC Manufacturer EDUCA 'ION: High School Diploma - May 1968 Waterville, MN Completion of Phase I and II of Lennox HVAC Workshops Attendance of various workshops sponsored by ' HVAC Manufacturers PERSONAL REFERENCES: Available upon request 1 II II Rt. 3, Box 49 Mankato, MN 56001 IJanuary 13, 1988 I Mr. Scott Harr Assistant Public Safety Director City of Chanhassen II P.O. Box 147 Chanhassen, MN 55317 Dear Mr. Harr: III wish to apply for the position of Plumbing & Heating Inspector as advertised in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune. I have included my resume. IMy career began in the HVAC - Plumbing field after graduation from high school and continued after an honorable discharge from the United States Army. Having the required experience and acquiring my Master Plumbing II License in the fall of 1978, I started my own business. My responsibilities included bidding, bookkeeping and customer relations. I My qualifications for this position include experience in the design and installation of: Plumbing systems, Hydronic heating systems and forced air heating and air conditioning systems in residential and light commercial Iapplications. I feel I am qualified for this position and would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you and answer any question you might have. Please contact Ime for an interview. Sincerely, La�� 'A" II Carl E. Barke II I II II CITY OF a � 1, _\ I ,, .. 1 ,.,„ , , I 690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O, BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317 f _ (612) 937-1900 II TO: JIM CHAFFEE 1 FROM: SCOTT HARR RE : PLBG . INSP . II DATE : 3/7/88 Jim, I A- CCSO is running checks on Carl , and they should be done shortly . I I havecontacted the personal & professional references that I asked Carl to supply. The most positive came from Doug Smith , the Plumbing Inspector for the City of Mankato, who spoke very II highly of Carl , saying that he would hate to see him leave because he is thebest plumber in town. He said that Carl can be assertive , standing his ground , without being abusive. II Jim Hodapp is a supplier that deals with Carl , and he said that he does not know Carl personally , but that he has always paid his bills on time , and was fine to do business with . I Gene LaFrance is Carl ' s business & personal banker , and said that Carl has always performed find, and is a hard worker. I Pat Gemlo is a friend of Carl ' s , and spoke very highly of him stating that Carl had done the plumbing in his house , which turned II out great , and that Carl helped his mother with some of her plumbing problems . I am awaiting calls from two others . II Jim, I was not able to get ahold of Carl before I left today . His ' references seem to be checking out OK. Would you like to check in with him today so that we can get things going , or I can tomorrow. Tha g I SC'GT I Have also now talked with a Phil Reitan , who said that he knows Carl well , and that Carl does all of his business & personal plbg . work- ' says Carl is hard worker , and that he would hate to see Carl leave town . 1