HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo-City ManagerCITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
2009 JUL -8 PM 2: 09
TO: Honorable Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff DATE:
District 2
FROM:
Pedro G Herna ez, RE_
City Manager
SUBJECT:
REFERENCES:
ENCLOSURES:
CI i Y CLERK
July 8, 2009 C! Y OF FL
Cross Training of City Inspectors
Item D2.1
July 9, 2009 Commission Agenda
At the City Commission meeting of May 14, 2009, you directed Administration to evaluate the
feasibility of cross -training city inspectors, specifically, the building inspectors and could building
inspectors be utilized as code enforcement inspectors.
The City currently practices cross -training of inspectors on a regular basis. For many years the city
had been very proactive towards higher efficiency and better use of our limited resources. For
example, a City Code Enforcement Inspector must be fluent in not one but several disciplines
including; solid waste, public works, building, planning and zoning. In addition, the qualifications of this
position require the inspector to have a high level of familiarity with key chapters of City Code as noted
below:
Chapter 4 (alcoholic beverages)
Chapter 6 (animals)
Chapter 17 (historic preservation)
Chapter 35 (parking surcharge)
Chapter 36 (noise)
Chapter 39 (vendors)
Chapter 50 (ships, vessels and RV)
A Building inspector is capable of performing code enforcement activities as well. In fact, both code
enforcement and building are currently working together to address the increase in unsafe/vacant
structures and on -going work without a permit. However, it is important to note the difference in the
abilities and type of licenses required by a building inspector versus a code enforcement inspector. A
Building Inspector must possess personal trade licenses (Le_ mechanical, electrical, structural, etc.)
and obtain annual re -certification in order to perform their tasks. Each specific trade is limited to a
specialty. This is the same as having to hire a contractor, an electrician, a plumber, etc. to complete a
scope of work related to a project. Legally, it is not allowed to have trade license holders perform
inspections outside of their field. During the building boom we compensated for the extra work by
hiring consultants for the spikes in work load, shifting and rotating our building field inspectors to
perform plans review function thereby increasing their knowledge and training while minimizing the
field risk factor. When the boom tailored off, we discontinued the use of the consultants and re-
structured our forces to maximize the level of service and our own internal efficiency_ One of our main
goals being to provide an inspection within a 24 hour tum around period.
09- co/3- r']emo - Ctti Manacle
Cross Training of City Inspectors
Page 2 of 2
Both types of city inspectors have unique training to perform their respective tasks. A building
inspector, as noted prior, may perform code enforcement activities but their utilization will be at a
higher cost because they are paid at a higher salary rate. The Code Enforcement staff recently met
with the building inspectors to familiarize them with Code Enforcement's required procedures when
taking cases to the Code Enforcement Board. Case preparation for both types of inspectors do differ
significantly. A building inspector can issue violations under the Florida Building Code that result in
additional fees and fines without the requirement of Board action. A Code Enforcement Officer must
meticulously build a case to ensure proper procedure and law was followed and then present before a
Board for. consideration. This can be quite time consuming. It's important to recognize that both
positions are in the AFSCME Local 1907 Bargaining Unit, and as such, Union involvement may be
required. Given these differences though, cross -training and/or cross -assignment is still quite feasible
and will be implemented as conditions dictate in accordance with the Collective Bargaining
Agreements. If work assignments decrease within the building department due to a continuing decline
in the building market, reassignments to support code enforcement activities will be considered. We
will continue to foster open lines of communication and cross -training between the two departments
and adapt to our changing environment accordingly.
As with inspectors, 1 strongly believe that all city executives (and as applicable to all employees)
should have a general understanding of the different functions of the city, the departments, and their
responsibilities, to allow for the needed flexibility to shift resources to meet present and future
demands. This added knowledge will help provide assistance to our city businesses and residents in
an expedient and timely fashion. In the past few years, the city's Employee Relations Department has
implemented the Fast Track Training Course for all new and current employees. The Fast Track
Training course, which occurs over several days, provides a comprehensive overview of our city
government. In today's climate of cutback and budget reductions, we must be assertive in doing more
with less. Our goal is to provide excellence and cross -training is essential in allowing us to have
continued success in this endeavor.
C:
Honorable Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Honorable City Commission
Julie O. Bru, City Attorney
Priscilla A_ Thompson, City Clerk
Bill Anido, Assistant City Manager
Roger Hernstadt, Assistant City Manager