Administrative
Report
H.15., File # 22-3675 Meeting Date: 2/1/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: BRANDY FORBES, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
TITLE
APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH INTERWEST CONSULTING GROUP, INC. FOR AS-NEEDED BUILDING PLAN CHECK AND INSPECTION SERVICES AND TEMPORARY BUILDING OFFICIAL SERVICES FOR AN INCREASED AMOUNT OF $95,000 AND A NEW TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED OF $110,000 FOR THE TERM FEBRUARY 1, 2022 THROUGH FEBRUARY 8, 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On February 9, 2021, the City Council approved agreements with six (6) consulting firms to provide building plan check and inspection services on an as-needed basis. The services provide the capability for the Community Development Department to offer an expediated plan check option upon applicant request. In addition, the contract can be utilized to fill gaps in staffing on an as-needed basis.
The contract with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc. is nearing the original budgeted amount of $15,000. Interwest is providing expedited plan check services for projects in the City. The Community Development Department would like to increase the contract amount by an additional $15,000 to cover anticipated additional plan check services, as well as to continue the plan check work underway.
Additionally, the City’s Chief Building Official position is vacant and needs to be filled. In the interim, to provide continuity of services and operations in the Building Division until that position is filled, the Community Development Department would like to add the Building Official Services to the scope of the contract. The services provide by an interim Building Official would increase the contract amount by roughly $80,000.
The consultant cost for expediated plan check services is fully funded through an additional plan check fee paid by the applicant and is cost neutral for the City. The consultant cost for the Interim Building Official Services is covered by cost savings from vacancies in the Community Development Department and other available budgeted funds.
BACKGROUND
On August 18, 2020, the City Council directed staff to proceed with selecting outside consulting firms to provide plan check services, as well as other Building Division services, on an as-needed basis.
After the RFP process, the Community Development Department selected six firms, based on their
H.15., File # 22-3675 Meeting Date: 2/1/2022
After the RFP process, the Community Development Department selected six firms, based on their qualifications and experience. The City Council approved the agreements on February 9, 2021. Of the six firms, Interwest currently has the best combination of consultant availability and capability to provide the temporary staff support needed for the vacant Building Official position.
COORDINATION
The contract amendment has been prepared by the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
The contracted plan check service costs are fully funded by an additional fee paid by the project applicant equal to 50% of the original plan check fee amount added to the permit costs. The consultant cost for expediated plan check services is fully funded through an additional plan check fee paid by the applicant and is cost neutral for the City. The consultant cost for the Interim Building Official Services is covered by cost savings from vacancies in the Community Development Department and other available budgeted funds.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
First Amendment Interwest
Original Contract Interwest
Interwest Proposal for Building Official Services