Medford committee votes to study local control of commercial inspections after private firm proposal

The City of Medford Committee of the Whole voted unanimously on March 9 to continue researching whether the city should seek 'Delegated Community' status that would allow a state‑qualified private inspection agency to perform commercial and industrial plan reviews and onsite inspections locally.

Meeting materials presented to the committee said the city currently relies on the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) to perform commercial inspections and collect related fees. The packet noted that Three C's, a licensed inspection firm led by Pat Kilty, submitted a proposal to change permitting and inspection procedures so local contractors and property owners could work with a delegated local provider.

The materials listed several potential benefits tied to the proposal: greater local control of the inspection process, potentially lower fees than current state permitting fees, faster responses to application and inspection requests, and more direct point-of-contact within the city. The packet also said pursuing delegated status would require the city to petition the state and amend the City Code of Ordinances to meet state guidelines.

Clem Johnson moved, and Ken Coyer seconded, a motion directing staff to continue researching the proposal; the motion carried with all members voting aye. The minutes record that staff identified no formal ordinance changes yet and that the next steps would include drafting any required code amendments and preparing a petition to DSPS if the council decides to proceed.

The committee did not take a final vote to become a delegated community at this meeting. The matter will return to the council or committee with staff recommendations and any proposed ordinance language before any formal petition to the state is filed.