Laserfiche WebLink
utilizing only I of 16 ports in the network connection, which means more wireless capability can be <br /> added. Councilmembers asked whether the cloud service is a capital or service cost. It was revealed that it <br /> involves both kinds of cost, as there is a cost to migrating the city's data to the cloud and a separate <br /> subscription cost to Microsoft. The cloud enables the IT Department to focus on more value-added things <br /> like creating useful apps on city servers. <br /> Building & Housing Department <br /> Building Commissioner Joe Meyers &Assistant Building Commissioner Chris Parmelee <br /> Assistant Building Commissioner Chris Parmelee provided an overview of the property maintenance <br /> numbers. Complaints are down 32%, which the department largely attributed to staff in complaint taking <br /> positions being out for extended periods of time. It took 2 and a half months to fill that spot. The <br /> department logged 229 inspections on account of the housing survey. The department has not been fullt <br /> staffed, which has caused a 3% drop in commercial inspections. 2,235 residential permits were pulled <br /> despite staffing being down an inspector. Lakewood has seen $64 million dollars in construction this year, <br /> which is a 45%increase compared to last year. 226 commercial plan reviews were done outside of the <br /> office, which is up 33%. 813 residential plan reviews were completed this year, a figure that was up 11%. <br /> Building Commissioner Meyers highlighted some of the larger projects this year such as the wastewater <br /> treatment plant projects, Muse at Rockport, the opening of two marijuana dispensaries, and the <br /> establishment of Raising Cane's. The department continued to see an economic uptick in residential <br /> property values based on property maintenance surveys. The department onboarded a new plumbing <br /> inspector, who was attracted to the position because of Lakewood's growth. He noted how Council <br /> worked with Building and Housing this past year to revamp the certificate of occupancy ordinance and <br /> how his department has implemented CitizenServe, a customer information system. Through 2020 and <br /> beyond, Commissioner Meyers would like to develop his staff and get them the continuing education <br /> opportunities that they need in order to be promoted from within the city. He added that they will be <br /> rolling out the food truck licensing by January Ist. Chairman O'Malley noted he recently received a tour <br /> of Summer House in the Carlyle building and that the owner complemented the Building Department. <br /> Councilmembers expressed the need for continued attention to detail and asked questions regarding the <br /> completion dates for various projects and programs. Building department staff were unaware of a <br /> construction completion date for the Muse at Rockport. They will begin planning for a commercial <br /> inspection pilot program by the first of the year and would like to start the program in the spring, however <br /> the licensing module for food trucks still needs work and is taking up a majority of their time. Expanded <br /> commercial inspections will be completed by an internal candidate, who will supplement his/her current <br /> work with these new responsibilities. Discussion ensued between Council and the administration <br /> regarding the difficulty of finding qualified Building and Housing staff to fill vacant positions. Mr. <br /> Parmelee noted that despite the shortage, his staff is still guaranteeing a 24-hour inspection window for <br /> residential permits. The close rate for residential permits remains high. Councilmembers analyzed the <br /> increase in license and permit fees collected and anticipated that the SCMR fund may see a bump in <br /> revenue. <br /> ORDINANCE 45-19-AN ORDINANCE amending Section 129.54, Operational Cash Funds, of the <br /> Codified Ordinances of the City of Lakewood to comply with previous changes to the chapter. (1st <br /> read & referred to Finance 11/18/19) <br /> 4 <br />