Council approves MOU with Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to prequalify Parker as building department for public school projects

Parker Town Council on Aug. 4 approved Ordinance 1.659 to renew a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control that designates the town as a prequalified building department for public school construction projects. The MOU, presented by John Nelson (identified in the meeting as “John Nelson, DCBO”), allows public school districts to opt to have school construction projects processed through the Town of Parker’s building division. Nelson said the town has held a similar agreement with the state since August 2015; the renewed MOU extends the designation for three more years. Why it matters: The MOU permits school districts to route construction reviews through Parker’s local permitting process where the school site is within town limits, potentially streamlining permitting and local coordination for school remodels, expansions and new construction (Nelson clarified the agreement covers expansions and remodels and excludes electrical and plumbing work). Council action: After brief council comments in support, Councilmember Hendricks moved to approve Ordinance 1.659 on second reading; Hefta seconded. A roll-call vote recorded the ordinance passing unanimously. Background: The ordinance cites Colorado Revised Statutes sections (referenced in the staff presentation) governing prequalification of municipal building departments for public school construction; staff described this as a routine renewal that provides an option to local school boards to use the town’s building review process. What’s next: The MOU is effective for three years; town staff will continue to process school construction submittals under the terms of the agreement when school districts request it.