HomeMy WebLinkAbout47-Fire Department CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO—REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION ORIGiNjm
From: Michael J. Conrad, Fire Chief Subject: Discuss and take possible action concerning the Fire
Department Inspection fees for non-profit senior
apartments.
Dept: Fire
Date: June 27, 2007 MC/C Meeting Date: July 2, 2007
Synopsis of Previous Council Action:
06/04/07 Agenda item#36-Request for Fire Chief to compile appropriate documentation regarding potential
fee waivers for non-profit senior citizen apartment complexes.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Fire Chief be directed to implement the recommendations as indicated in the Staff Report.
Signature
Contact Person: Michael J. Conrad, Fire Chief Phone: (909) 384-5286
Supporting data attached: Staff Report Ward: Citywide
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount: $0
Source: (Acct. No)
(Acct. Descr)
Finance:
Council Notes:
Agenda Item No.
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT
Discuss and take possible action concerning the Fire Department Inspection fees for non-
profit senior apartments.
BACKGROUND
On June 4, 2007, the Mayor and Common Council approved a motion requesting the Fire
Chief to report back to the Council within 30 days regarding the financial impact of
waiving fees for first and follow-up inspections for non profit apartment complexes
housing 80% or more Senior Citizens.
In the early stages of formation of the inspection program the established goals were two-
fold. First, the annual inspections would satisfy the California Health and Safety Code
requirement for the Fire Department to conduct annual inspections of apartment
complexes. Second, the inspection program would also help improve the fire safety of all
multi-family housing in the city. What we have found in over two years of
implementation of this program is that compliant complexes, including the senior non-
profit facilities, continue to be compliant and many of those with violations the first year
were also in violation the second year. Administrative citations are issued to those not in
compliance when the second inspection is conducted. We have found that although
owners and managers are informed weeks ahead of the pending inspection there are still
violations when the second inspection is conducted some five weeks later. In fact, the
revenue from citations is anticipated to top $83,000 this fiscal year, more than the
$79,600 collected last year. We are finding that the violators continue to violate.
According to the City Clerk's Office records there are nine (9) complexes that would be
eligible to receive this exemption. The annual revenue from these nine (9) complexes is
$23,542.
These are the recommended options for the Council to consider:
• Waive the inspection fee for these senior non-profit complexes; however, issue an
administrative citation if a particular complex is not in compliance 10 days after their
initial inspection.
• Increase the administrative citation fine from $100 to $200 to discourage repeat
violators year after year, thereby helping to assure the safety of the residents. Any
increase in this revenue would cover the cost of exempting senior non-profit
complexes.
At this time, staff is seeking direction from the Mayor and Council. If directed to waive
fees and/or increase the administrative citation fee, staff will bring forward the necessary
resolution.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT
None by this action. If the Mayor and Council repeal the fees for senior non-profit
complexes, the General Fund revenues will be reduced by approximately $23,542
annually.
The following is the cost breakdown for the Multi Family Rental Inspection Program:
Revenue and expenditures for fiscal year 2005-2006 are as follows:
• Revenue (annual inspection/administrative citation) $470,217.74
Liens/Hearing Orders to be collected in future years $ 20,444.00
Total: $490,661.74
• Expenditures $512,822.39
Revenue and expenditures projected for fiscal year 2006-2007 are as follows:
• Revenue (annual inspection/administrative citation) $482,407.07
Liens/Hearing Orders to be collected in future years $ 62,796.00
Total: $545,203.07
• Expenditures $486,585.19
Note that the annual vehicle cost, $26,400, is not included as an actual expense for FY
05-06 and FY 06-07.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Fire Chief be directed to implement the recommendations as indicated in the
Staff Report.
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