Melbourne Beach pauses inspections while vetting building official; RFQ for backup private providers due

Melbourne Beach town staff told the Planning Commission at its May 6, 2025 meeting that building inspections are paused until the town fills the building official position or secures private-provider backup services.

Town Manager Elizabeth Mascara reported that the town has interviewed a candidate for the building official job and is checking references. She said the town has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for private-provider inspection services; submissions are due next Friday and the commission is scheduled to review responses the following Wednesday. Mascara also said the town's current private-provider company has been unable to supply inspectors, which contributed to the pause in inspections.

Separately, staff told the commission that the Environmental Advisory Board (referred to in the meeting as "EAB") has contacted the town about participating in drafting or advising on a proposed tree ordinance. Staff said they have asked EAB to provide a timely and precise plan for how it would be involved; staff will return to the commission with any draft ordinance or formal proposal when available.

The meeting record does not show a formal vote on staffing or contract awards. Next steps described in the meeting: staff will complete reference checks on the building-official candidate, collect RFQ submissions by the stated deadline, and present provider options to the commission for consideration.