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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987/08/18-CCM RMa - ! l o 2675 -145TH ST. W. ROSEMOUNT. MINNESOTA 55068 osem ou n t 612=423-4411 TO: STEPHAN JILK, CITY ADMINISTRATOR FROM: DEAN JOHNSON, DIRECTION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DATE: AUGUST 18, 1987 SUBJ: PLUMBING INSPECTOR SALARY RANGE In the course of annual budget updates, the review of the Stantoir Salary Survey and informal discussions on comparable worth, building inspector salary ranges have become an item of concern. The new Stanton Survey indicates the median salary for Class I inspectors is $27,216. As I feared, creating our position in line with other support staff ($22,000 - $24,000) would be well under the norm. We were quite lucky to get Jack, to say the least. Ron Wasmund and I were recently going over issues for Jack's probationary review next month. _ I am, pleased to announce that all aspects of his employment exceeded our wildest dreams. With his plumbing license and practicing and inspecting experience, he brought immediate credibility and respectability to our inspection program. I'm not suggesting any weakness or inefficiency on Ron's part; rather, I draw attention to the quick adaptation and respect Jack has managed to accotdplish. With this our busiest season, and obviously the spring board for a new development trend, Jack's presence and performance has been exemplary at best and stop gap at least. What we thought, was a luxury, in terms of plumbing expertise, has really become a necessity. We could not keep pace with the number of inspections without having someone of Jack's caliber on board. As you are now aware, we were stunned to learn that Jack had accepted a position with Olmstead County. How could he object: the starting pay is $25,000 and now, he won't need to commute. As I stated earlier, we were lucky to get Jack. While changes in salary and benefits have been discussed in our staff meetings, I have not passed on any information to my personnel for lack of any details. With Jack's six-month review coming up next month, the timing to inform him of any changes, was perfect. Unfortunately, Jack had no - idea that he was in line for any increases. At this point, I can only beg your immediate support in requesting City Council authorization to add a new classification/range for the plumbing inspector position. The 1987 salaries for cities our size range from $23,500 to $30,675. The median is $27,216. To be realistic in hiring anyone with even half of Jack's qualifications, the range needs to fall within these limits. While a range of $24,000 - $28,000 appears to be a jump from the existing range, the top is barely over the present median. As you suggested, I checked with the City of Lakeville. According to their comparable worth study, the building inspector position, with 1-3 years experience has a range of $24,060 to $26,460. A person with more than three years experience has a range of $26,472 .to $31,320. Pat McGarvey told me they would offer someone with Jack's experience $28,860 starting salary. Plumbing Inspector Salary Range August 18, 1987 Page Two This position would be a new one. It would clearly be a "plumbing inspection" position. I would recommend keeping the old position which is accurately labeled, "building inspector.." We simply wouldn't fill the position until the level of construction activities warranted it. I feel there is little room for compromise or debate on this issue. At stake is our own public liability in an ever increasingly complex inspection system. Also at stake is a public relations position of utmost importance to the City. The great majority of new residents in Rosemount arrive in new households. Their first impression is from contractors and the inspectors. Our present level of respect and cooperation from contractors is unequaled anywhere. The firm but fair consistency of our program has resulted in a productive sense of competition amongst the numerous builders in town. There's a sense of pride and accomplishment that didn't exist three years, ago. I don't believe we can afford to lose what we've got going for us. The word is out -- Rosemount is a progressive community. A community that is setting high standards for itself -- standards that draw the best developers and builders to the community; and standards that draw the best out of the more average developers and builders. From a timing standpoint, we're hurting. If Jack leaves September 4th, we're going to be without a person for a minimum of five to six weeks. This is in a year when we've issued 211 permits, involving ,140 households. New construction generates 9-10 inspections per home. Ron is going to pull his hair out. We must advertise for this position immediately. As a last plea, with all things considered, I'd like to offer this range to Jack. Why not? After thing about the arguments I am making for a new position, why not try to steal Jack back.It is apparent that salary was the leading factor in his decision to leave. I don't know if Jack would reconsider or not. I don't want to negotiate this, I simply want to be up front and fair and offer him the same thing someone new would get. After all, as I started out saying, his six-month review was going to be an excellent one. There is no debate that the best alternative available is to offer Jack the new range after probation. Maybe he would stay after all. It's worth a try. He is a quality inspector and a great person! Thank you' for your time and hopeful support on such short notice.