Posted: 11/27/02

Building inspector will join city staff in Wyoming

Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area Reporter

Wyoming City Council was united in its decision Nov. 18 to keep Jack Kramer employed as a building inspector for the city. Kramer has been working as a building inspector for both Chisago County and the city, but recently resigned his position with the county.

He wants to continue working for the city and the city would benefit by his continued association.

City Administrator Dennis Coryell told council Kramer is a good employee, would be in the city during the day and able to serve as a volunteer fire fighter.

Council member Sandy Standridge said he is ìknowledgeable about the city and its ordinances.î

Originally, Kramer was hired by the city as an independent contractor, with his pay a percentage of the building permit fees. He became a part-time employee to gain retirement benefits.

In response to questions, Coryell said the half-time position would keep Kramer busy four hours a day in Wyoming.

Looking ahead to the new commercial building, including construction of Ebenezer assisted living facility on the hospital campus, Coryell said Kramer would generate between $24,000 and $25,000 for the city, in plan review fees alone. The building inspector reviews everything about plans except electrical work.

Coryell continued ìI donít think there are many experienced building inspectorsî available for hire. He knows how to tread the ìfine line between too tough versus not tough enoughî with regard to inspections.

Asked how Kramer plans to pick up the other part of the wages, Council learned the city of Shafer is considering him as a contract employee.

The compensation package offered by the city for the approximately half-time position is $28,800. His position with the city will allow him to maintain PERA benefits.

City Attorney Tom Miller is to check Kramerís job classification, determine if he is a member of a bargaining unit or will be employed by the city on contract.

Business planning

Eight companies have investigated the possibility of participation in the Wyoming City Centre project.

Kellison Company recently gave up pursuit of the development. Coryell said three companies are really pursuing expanding in the area.

Council learned that development built by John Duffy is doing well.

Vacancy rates in the Oakwood Apartments are very low and provide an important housing alternative for workers in the Wyoming area. About 17 percent of residents have moved to homes purchased in the area.

Besides new homes and town homes in the city, these apartments provide a diverse mix of housing choices for city residents. Construction of Ebenezer assisted living facility will contribute to the diversity.

Other business

In other business, council:

ïPassed a resolution certifying the results of the municipal election.

ïDirected Engineer Lee Elfering to meet with colleague Katherine Jones to bring water and sewer rate study up to date. More than merely reviewing water and sewer rates, Elfering was asked to make recommendations for area and trunk charges for these utilities.

These are the charges builders pay for the impact their developments make on the cityís utilities. The purpose is to assure that developers coming into an area and building assume a greater share of the cost of upgrading water and sewer utilities. Elfering will report to council in January.

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