Council directs city attorney to draft ordinance moving inspector oversight to electric commissioner after heated debate

A motion to direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance transferring oversight of the city’s building and electrical inspectors to the electric commissioner passed after a contested discussion and a roll-call vote.

Commissioner Baldridge introduced the item, saying the electric commissioner has more direct experience with electrical and building inspection issues and could provide more knowledgeable oversight. Several commissioners objected to the timing and how the item was added to the agenda on short notice. Mayor Curran and others argued the change raises structural questions about the form of government and departmental responsibilities.

Despite the debate, a motion was made "to direct the attorney to change the oversight of the building and electrical inspector to the electric commissioner." The roll-call result recorded Baldridge—Aye; Cullinan—No; McDermott—Aye; Moyle—Aye; Curran—No. Council minutes record the motion as approved and instructing the attorney to prepare an ordinance for a future meeting.

Council members asked staff to verify existing code language about inspectors (plumbing, electrical and building) and to bring the draft ordinance back at a subsequent meeting. Several commissioners requested fuller discussion and documentation before a final ordinance vote.

What happens next: the city attorney will prepare an ordinance reflecting the change; the council will consider the draft at a subsequent meeting, and staff were asked to verify any related code sections before final action.