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Ely contracts SAFEbuilt for building‑inspection support; Chris Flannery to begin as building official Feb. 23
Summary
The Ely City Council approved an as‑needed contract with SAFEbuilt LLC for building plan review and inspection support and confirmed Feb. 23, 2026 as the start date for Chris Flannery as the city’s building official, with interim coverage provided until that date.
The Ely City Council on Jan. 22 approved an as‑needed Professional Services Agreement with SAFEbuilt LLC to provide plan review and inspection support when the city is short‑staffed, and set Feb. 23, 2026 as the start date for Chris Flannery as Ely’s building official.
The vote cleared both items by unanimous roll call. Rochelle Lewis, a SAFEbuilt representative, told the council the firm “doesn’t charge you when you don’t utilize our services” and can provide remote plan review, remote video inspections and on‑site inspections when requested. Councilman Dennis Perea moved to approve the SAFEbuilt agreement; Councilman Terrill Trask seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: the building official role is a technical, continuity‑critical position. Jennifer Drew‑Lesher of the Building and Planning Department urged support for Flannery during public comment, saying she is “confident that Chris is a perfect fit for this position,” and council members said the SAFEbuilt contract provides short‑term coverage while the new official transitions into the role.
Council action and timing: Chris Flannery told the council he could begin on Feb. 23. Councilman Terrill Trask moved to approve Feb. 23, 2026 as the start date (with a fallback to re‑advertise the position if there is pushback); Councilwoman Michelle Yeoman seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Mayor Nathan Robertson said SAFEbuilt would hold a kickoff meeting to arrange interim coverage until Flannery’s start date.
Details and limits: SAFEbuilt’s on‑call contract is billed only for services the city uses, according to the vendor. The council and staff noted prior gaps in building‑services coverage and that the contract is aimed at avoiding inspection or plan‑review delays during transitions or staff shortages. No changes to pay or benefits for the permanent building official were authorized at the Jan. 22 meeting; the council discussed that prior unpaid vacancy costs have offset some interim contract spending.
Next steps: SAFEbuilt will begin working with city staff to provide interim services immediately; Flannery is scheduled to assume the permanent building official duties on Feb. 23, 2026 unless circumstances require re‑advertising the post.
