Title
High Risk Fire Safety Inspection Program
Explanation
Subsequent to an airborne chemical release at PCR, Inc. (now Archimica, Inc.), in 1998, the City Manager appointed an Airborne Releases Ad Hoc Committee. This committee was comprised of members from the business community, citizens, Airport Authority, LEPC, and County and City governments. It was tasked with investigating how to prevent and respond to airborne chemical releases. In the final report to the City Commission (6/14/99), the Committee recommended that the City institute a permit and inspection program for those facilities that use or store hazardous materials. Proposing implementation of the High Risk Safety Inspection Program is in accordance with this recommendation.
Under the proposed High Risk Safety Inspection Program, Gainesville Fire Rescue will perform fire safety inspections on approximately 800 high hazard properties by employing an additional fire safety inspector. The High Risk Fire Safety Inspector will conduct 800 annual inspections and coordinate the issuance of 800 annual hazardous materials permits. A fee will be collected for issuing the permit and performing the inspection.
Fiscal Note
Cost projections to implement the High Risk Fire Safety Inspector Program are $95,000, initially, and $80,000, annually. Revenue generated from the permit and inspection fees is projected to be $100,000, annually. Initial funding for FY 2000 is expected from the City's general fund. The City will provide initial funding for this program on the basis that the general fund will be reimbursed by permit and inspection fees collected through the end of the FY 2000.
Recommendation
The City Commission 1) approve implementation of the High Risk Fire Safety Inspector Program; and 2) authorize the City Attorney to draft an ordinance providing for implementation of the fee program for permits and inspections for high risk properties.