Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Department Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Redington Shores will issue RFP and post building official job after public criticism of current services
Summary
Following broad public comment criticizing permit delays and customer service, commissioners directed staff to post an RFP, open a building official position, and ask the town attorney to draft revised SafeBuilt contract options for consideration before August.
Redington Shores commissioners on June 25 weighed several long-term options for the town’s building department and directed administration to pursue multiple procurement steps following extended public comment criticizing current services.
Interim Town Administrator Margaret Carey reviewed options the commission had asked staff to explore: remain with the current emergency contract with SafeBuilt (with revised terms), issue a request for proposals, return to an in-house model, merge services with neighboring Indian Shores, or pursue a county partnership. Commissioner Larry Maynard asked that the town post an RFP and create a job opening for a building official; Vice Mayor Erin Schoos requested a contract review before August.
“Pursuant to Mayor Kapper and Commissioner Maynard, Administrator Carey was directed to post for an RFP and the building official position in addition to revising the SafeBuilt contract for multiple options,” the minutes state. Town Attorney Rob Eschenfelder told the commission the building department cannot be run for profit.
Public comment at the workshop featured multiple residents describing difficulties with permit processing and customer service. Christy Herig said, “It is important to review the money and the administrator's recommendation.” Vito Crichenco, a Redington Beach resident, urged a local building official, saying he believed one would better protect residents and later expressed fear of retaliation. Other speakers reported problems obtaining demolition permits, inaccessible staff, a lack of compassion in enforcement actions, and damage to rental properties from Storm Helene that remained red tagged.
Tim Thompson, vice mayor of Redington Beach, recommended continuing with SafeBuilt temporarily and issuing an RFP later. Attorney Eschenfelder was asked to provide draft language for an RFP. Administrator Carey was given direction to prepare the RFP, post the building official job, and return contract documents for review prior to August so the commission can consider options at a future meeting.
