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Chair Shachner confirmed with Mr. Parmelee that the department is satisfied with the budget that <br /> is needed to operate. Mr. Parmelee mentioned a possible future adjustment of the budget if a new <br /> position is added. <br /> Councilmember Kepple asked Mr. Parmelee about the sharp increased budget of the travel and <br /> transportation line item. Director Rancatore explained that this line item includes <br /> reimbursements. Mr. Parmelee explained the joint conference that takes up a large portion of the <br /> budget. He also mentioned the memberships that are paid for to increase training for the <br /> department. <br /> Councilmember Kepple suggested working across departments with digital archives. <br /> Councilmember Bullock suggested having more engagement for property owners like renewing <br /> the landlord training session. He mentioned the communication functions and suggested having a <br /> discussion in the Housing Committee. Mr. Parmelee explained the limited use of physical mail <br /> because of the effectiveness of emailing that notifies 2,500 contractors at once. The emails are up <br /> to date at least monthly, and all notifications are open to citizens as well. <br /> Councilmember Bullock spoke with Mr. Parmelee about exterior inspections and correction <br /> notices. Mr. Parmelee explained the revolving maintenance cycle and the equal playing field of <br /> residential and commercial investments. <br /> Councilmember Litten expressed that he is pleasantly surprised to see a full staff for the building <br /> department. He clarified that the commercial permits are down because of the ebbs and flows <br /> from one year to the next. Mr. Parmelee explained how large-scale projects drastically change <br /> the numbers in the budget. He used 2017 as an example of the numbers changing because of the <br /> rebuilding of every elementary school in Lakewood. <br /> Councilmember Litten asked about what is included in the professional services line item. Mr. <br /> Parmelee explained that there are funds for plan review that cannot be done in-house. He <br /> expressed that it is difficult to attract a state licensed architect with government wages. <br /> Councilmember Baker expressed his appreciation for the way the building department <br /> coordinates with other departments. He clarified with Mr. Parmelee that the department goes out- <br /> of-house when in need of a certified engineer or architect for mechanical, engineering, or <br /> plumbing. The firms are reputable and certified. They took time to give a 3 hour class to the <br /> building inspectors this past year to understand the standardized inspecting system. <br /> Chair Shachner expressed appreciation for the responsiveness of the building department and <br /> Mr. Parmelee thanked his staff for their hard work. <br /> IT Division <br /> IT Manager Coletta began his presentation with the IT department's 2022 accomplishments. He <br /> explained that 2022 was year 1 of a 5-year cycle of computer replacements. A large <br /> 2 <br />