When the region’s economy began significantly improving in 2015, the Building division of the Community Services Department experienced a steady increase in the number of applications for building permits. To provide timely plan review services to the development community, the Building division began contracting for third-party plan checking to supplement City staff. Charles Abbott Associates, Inc. (CAA) is one of the firms currently providing the Building division these services. The City has continued to utilize contract plan review services both to maintain staffing flexibility and have access to plans examiners with specialized experience for the review of more complex plans.

CAA submitted a letter proposal dated May 23, 2019 to continue providing the City of Sparks with building permit plan review services. Staff has reviewed the proposal and finds the terms acceptable. The proposed contract would extend the Building division’s use of CAA’s services through June 30, 2020 by authorizing the expenditure of up to $100,000 from the Development Services Enterprise Fund. If the City Council approves the contract, CAA’s services would be used on an as-needed basis.

1. The City Council could approve the proposed contract as outlined by staff.

2. The City Council could reject the proposed contract and provide direction to the City Manager.

I move to approve a professional services contract (AC-5587) with Charles Abbott Associates, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $100,000, for building permit plan review services.