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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9135 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9135 W'5` To the Mayor and Members of the City Council October 20, 2009 l./!,/ Page 1 of 1 SUBJECT: TERMINATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION 1873 CERTIFICATION PROGRAM On August 28, 2049, TPW sent the attached memo to the Mayor and City Council regarding the Construction Inspection Certification Program. Following this memo, we did an in-depth analysis of the program. We continue to believe that the original assumptions about the need for broad based inspector training are sound. However, many of the original expectations have fallen short of being satisfactorily met. The expectation was that we would be able to work with a local college to develop a program that would provide the training. There were many efforts made in that direction but no real progress toward the establishment of such a program was achieved. Another expectation was that the Inspectors would be able to achieve the initial mandatory certification levels within two and one-half years. Because of developmental needs for the majority of the inspectors, and the 50% reduction in the program budget in FY 2009, it was determined that it would take a total of seven and one-half years for all inspectors to achieve the required levels of i certification. Budget reductions in FY-2009 also led to a strategy of having students attend more classes during regular working hours to reduce the number of overtime hours committed to the program. This action resulted in fewer hours on the job performing actual inspections. It was also expected that within two years of the program being initiated, it would become somewhat institutionalized and utilized by other departments with construction inspectors. There is no evidence that this has happened. Finally, the program remains a negative impact on morale for many inspectors. As a result, it was determined that the appropriate action was to terminate the program and focus on more task and technical oriented training. Construction inspection training is available from several sources to help with the day to day responsibilities given to inspectors and it is our intent to take advantage of those opportunities as time and budgets allow. It is also our intent to allow those who would like to finish the program to do so on a voluntary basis. That is to say, the City will not pay overtime for their continued participation. If you have any further questions; please contact Andy Anderson, TPW Assistant Director tor° i Infrastructure Design and Construcfion at (8 7) 392-8848. I A Filr, P.E. �s= i l/ City Manager Attachment FORT WORTH MEMORANDUM Date: August 28, 2009 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council VIA: Dale A. Fisseler, P.E., City Manager { r, Fernando Costa, Assistant City Manager FROM: William A. Verkest, P.E. Director SUBJECT: Construction Inspection Certification Program Budget Impact The Construction Inspection Certification Program was developed by the former Engineering Department in response to a need that became apparent through the department's in-depth assessment process for employees. The assessment process included written exams that tested skills in math, plan reading, communication and other skill areas. As the department administered these exams, it became evident that a significant number of Construction Inspectors t t Y lacked the basic skills enumerated in the job description and required for successful performance � in the position. After an extensive national research effort, staff identified three (3) existing training programs that satisfied most of the required training needs. However, certain critical training elements deemed necessary for the success of the program were unavailable. Therefore, stag`developed a program specifically designed to meet the needs of the City of Fort Worth Construction Inspectors. The Certification Program consists of a degree program that takes advantage of existing classes provided at various Tarrant County College campuses, and a continuing education program which provides the City with the flexibility of having many of the classes taught at City facilities. The program was transferred to the Transportation and Public Works Department when it merged with Engineering in FY 2009. 'he Certification Program requires fimding for tuition, books and overtime fore employees attending required classes eyond their normal forty 0 ho work week. In F 2010" the I ransportation and Public Works Construction Services Divisions budget includes $168,000 for overtime specifically related to the Certification Program, $12,000 for text books and $29,100 =or tuition. The program is O nded entirely through the Capital Projects Services Fund managed b � thef Transportation and Public ors Department and has no direct financial impact on the Cieneral Fund. �h rRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WC FPA "_f_N EN'