Manville development services asks council for building official, engineers, GIS tech and $72,000 AI review tool

Development Services Director Joe told the Manville City Council at a July 14 workshop that his department is asking the council to fund four new positions and a web‑based, AI‑driven plan‑review service to speed reviews and reduce outsourced costs.

The request includes a building official, a graduate engineer, an engineering technician and a GIS technician; Joe said the department is also asking for $72,000 annually for an AI review service. He said the personnel and software requests (not including benefits) total $352,000. “We’re requesting building official, graduate engineer position, engineer technician position, and the GIS technician position,” Joe said.

Why it matters: Development‑service capacity affects the city’s ability to process permits, inspect work and support larger commercial projects as Manville grows. Council members repeatedly pressed staff for data showing how the hires and the $72,000 subscription would change current costs and service levels.

Most important details - Current arrangement: Building and inspection work is provided under contract by SafeBuilt, which Joe said has supplied plan review and inspection services since 2020 and provides a pool of qualified…