Building Inspection Commission approves DBI FY2010-11 budget

The Building Inspection Commission unanimously approved the Department of Building Inspection—udget for fiscal year 2010-11 at a special meeting on Feb. 2, 2010.

Vivian Day, director of the Department of Building Inspection, presented a second reading of the budget and told commissioners the bottom-line total has not changed from prior presentations. Day said some expenditures were moved into different line items to match controller guidance, and that project funds already funded in prior years remain in separate restricted accounts.

Commissioners asked several detailed questions. Commissioner Walker asked how the department—xpects to handle increased work tied to the vacant buildings program after media reports of under-registration; Day said the budgeted level for the program is unchanged but code enforcement officers will verify additional properties and pursue enforcement, which could bring more buildings onto the department—aseload. Day said nearly 50 properties were removed from the vacant list after inspections determined they were occupied or brought up to code.

Commissioner Romero and staff discussed a previously funded personal services contract and a permit-tracking system that is being held in a project account; Day said about $4,000,000 is associated with that multi-year project and it will be spent from funds already restricted for the project. Pam, acting deputy director of administrative services, said restricted project balances include the Fourth- and Fifth-Floor renovations and the permit-tracking project; she reported roughly $300,000 remains for completing Fourth Floor work and about $1.2 million has been spent so far on the Fifth Floor.

Commissioners also probed changes to project accounting and a negative line-item shown year-over-year; staff explained that an automation project was closed and some costs were moved into operating expenses, producing an apparent negative change even though project work continues. Other questions involved surplus fleet vehicles and a small pilot of bicycles for inspectors; Day said two bicycles were obtained but wider staff rollout is delayed pending clear policies, police training and insurance/liability protections.

After discussion, Commissioner Hetchanova moved to accept the budget as proposed. The commission conducted a roll-call vote; all present voted yes and the motion carried unanimously. The commission directed staff to provide updates on several outstanding items, including the permit-tracking project and pending renovation work.