Northfield service department weighs Cloudpermit for permits and is authorized to buy replacement sewer camera vehicle

The Village of Northfield's Service Department told council it will not use the building and zoning module of the new finance software and is evaluating a separate permit platform.

Service Department Superintendent Jason Walters said the finance software is "not a good fit for Building & Zoning Department permits and violations." Walters said he is considering Cloudpermit and that the company’s pricing would be $2,500 for the first year and $5,000 per year for the next four years, which Walters summarized as a $22,500 total for a proposed five-year contract. Law Director Brad Bryan said he has been negotiating contract language with Cloudpermit and noted the $22,500 total is an unbudgeted item, so Council approval will be required before the Village signs an agreement. Council asked to review the final contract before voting.

Walters also reported the sewer camera truck’s engine is burning oil and that replacement parts are not available until September. He asked Council to authorize up to $20,000 to buy a suitable replacement vehicle rather than a brand-new truck; Gary Vojtush moved the authorization and Jesse Ferko seconded. The motion carried on a unanimous roll-call vote; Walters said $20,000 "would be sufficient."

Walters added the Service Department received a new roller, is repairing catch basins and performing small road repairs, and will apply a temporary fix to Magnolia Park’s basketball court while the field is re-striped.

Council did not approve the Cloudpermit contract at the meeting and deferred final approval pending review of the contract language.