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Big Rapids staff outline plan to re-establish city building department
Summary
City staff presented a plan to bring building-permit services back under municipal control, saying consultants will handle inspections and permit fees would cover inspector costs; staff expect to return with contract resolutions in coming weeks.
City of Big Rapids staff told the commission they are exploring re-establishing a municipal building department after the city outsourced those services in 2003.
Michelle Stinger, speaking for city staff, said the city had its own building department from the mid-1960s until about 2003 and that staff issued an RFQ/RFP in February to find firms that could provide inspections and plan review. "The fees collected for those permits that would be issued by the building department do not support having the city hire full time inspectors," Stinger said, and added the city would likely contract inspection work through consultants while retaining administrative permit functions at city hall.
Stinger told commissioners the change would improve service for constituents and create a more seamless process for plan review, including coordination with the new fire marshal. "This will allow everyone in the city to have a one-stop shopping for their permits," she said, describing reduced confusion for residents unfamiliar with separate city and county processes.
During public comment and questions, a resident asked about a cost analysis for employee pay scales and permit schedules. Stinger said consultant-arranged inspections would minimize city payroll expense and that permit fees would cover inspector compensation.
Stinger said staff have received responses to the RFQ/RFP and expect to interview firms this week, with resolutions to contract and to file paperwork with the state on the horizon. The commission did not take a formal vote on the building department during this meeting; staff said they will return with recommended contract language and any statutory steps needed to resume municipal building operations.
