Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 12142004 - PR5 ARD OF SUPERVISORS � � ... Contra TO: B(� k.. FROM: JOHN SWEETEN, County Administrator Costa titin DATE: December 14, 2004 °� ' � rwr`� County SUBJECT: 2004 AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE PRESENTED TO THE E BUILDING INSPECTION DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION: PRESENT the 2004 departmental Award for Excellence to the Building Inspection Department, Carlos Baltodano, Director. BACKGROUND In 1985, the Board of Supervisors established a program for recognizing outstanding performance by County departments. In December of each year, the Board recognizes a department with the Award for Excellence. This year, the Board recognizes a department that epitomizes excellent community and customer service: Building Inspection. The department's mission is: "To become the preferred leader in building inspection services by helping customers achieve their construction goals and by enhancing the quality of communities through revitalization of neighborhoods." Though the job is never done, during the past year, this mission has been accomplished by the following commendable achievements. While Building Inspection continues to enhance the quality of communities in Contra Costa by bringing home improvement resources directly to grateful low-income residents through its highly successful Neighborhood Preservation and Weatherization programs, the program that impacts communities in the most visible and broad-reaching manner is Code Enforcement. With its aim to enforce the County codes and ordinances, and to protect our residents and environment, the Code Enforcement staff has been engaged in one of its largest efforts to date—the abatement of illegal structures on Delta islands. Salisbury Island and Golden Cate Isle are the first two islands to undergo extensive abatement actions, successfully defended in court, and the efforts are on-going. A proposed "docks" ordinance could also help protect the Delta for the benefit of all residents. Because the demolition of structures should be the last resort in community enhancement, the Building Inspection Department has been actively engaged in the development of a comprehensive community preservation program. The program is a collaborative effort of several County departments to address rental units, vacant lots, property maintenance, and housing rehabilitation. Two years ago, this collaboration culminated in the passage by the Board of a wide-ranging Community Preservation Ordinance to update and augment code enforcement efforts. The ordinance was recently enhanced by the development of a "Rental Dwelling Units Maintenance and Inspection Program." This program will require that rental units be brought up to health and safety standards before they are so deteriorated that the only solution is demolition. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE: RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR REC ENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED " r OTHER VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT r t t COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. UNANIMOUS{ABSENT ) AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Contact: Cc: CAO ATTESTED Building Inspection ;JOHN SWEETEN,CLERK OF THE BOA OFSUPE !SOBS BY DEPUTY 2004 Departmental Award of Excellence December 14, 2004 Building Inspection Department Page 2 Another advancement in residential safety and community enhancement in the past year was the Department's development of a Valve Shut-off Ordinance, The Board initially adopted an ordinance on March 21, 2000 requiring gas shut-off devices only at the gas utility meters. A change adopted by the Board on July 13, 2004 requires, in addition to either an excess flaw valve or earthquake gas shut-off valve at the meter, the installation of excess flow valves at the paint of each gas appliance. The enactment of these stricter construction standards for new construction and certain remodel projects is another example of the Department's cutting-edge leadership in field of building inspection. Building Inspection continues to be the provider of choice for building inspection services in Contra Costa County, as demonstrated by the number of cities that have entrusted their inspection and plan check services to the County. The list of contract cities now includes Brentwood, Clayton, Hercules, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pittsburg, San Pablo, and Walnut Creek. However, it is not only government agencies that have come to rely on the County's expertise, but private industry as well. Building Inspection has provided project management, plan review, and inspections for two power plants in Pittsburg and another in Antioch, proving yet again that the staff has the experience and specialized knowledge to perform at the highest levels. Building Inspection is a department that recognizes and values its employees. The Department publishes an informative quarterly newsletter; it supports an active Employee Recognition Program, it celebrates the annual Administrative Professional Day; it provides its employees and the public with advanced technology services and resources, and it engages in thoughtful strategic planning on a regular basis. All of these efforts are undertaken to support its valuable employees who recognize that their top priority is to provide the highest level of customer service. For this, and for the achievements that have come out of this business philosophy, I am pleased to recommend that the Board of Supervisor recognize the Building Inspection Department with this Award of Excellence.