HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B: Building Inspector Field Mobility
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Work Session: Building Inspector Field Mobility
Meeting Date: February 15, 2012 Agenda Item Number: B
Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Stuart Ramsing
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-6801
ISSUE STATEMENT
This work session provides the opportunity to show off the latest mobile office prototype as building
inspection staff moves closer to their work in the field.
BACKGROUND and PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The City of Eugene is committed to excellence, innovation, and professionalism. Staff serves with
dedication, care, respect and pride to make Eugene a safe, livable community with high quality,
responsive, and accessible services. Over the last several years, the Building Inspection program has
been developing new and innovative ways to administer building codes, both in the office and in the
field. In the field, building inspectors are tasked with ensuring that concepts and agreements are
transformed into safe, built products according to their plans. To enable their work, inspectors have
driven from site to site in a fleet of Toyota Prius’.
The first version of field mobility moved staff from paper work logs and a street map to a computer-
based system. Inspectors carry a laptop computer and have adapted the passenger seat of their Prius as a
work station. Cellular connections provide a real-time link to the internet and full City computing
resources and on-line codebooks.
Field Mobility v2 is the development of a mobile work space to replace the Prius. The Ford Transit
Connect van has room for a work space, large monitor for viewing plans, copy/scanner and printer all
organized around a desk and bench. There is room for tools, books and plans that are out of the weather
with limited climate control. As the Prius vehicles come up for routine replacement, staff is looking to
this mobile office model to increase flexibility, effectiveness and efficiency. Total cost, including
conversion and the installed computing systems, is around $28,000.
Harnessing the power of technology has not only created significant on-going savings for the City, it has
also added to inspectors’ efficiency, allowing them up to an additional hour a day in the field. Home
owners and contractors have noticed the benefits as well and regularly communicate their appreciation
for the faster and more convenient service.
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RELATED CITY POLICIES
Effective, Accountable Municipal Government
A government that works openly, collaboratively, and fairly with the community to achieve measurable
and positive outcomes and provide effective, efficient services.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Stuart Ramsing
Telephone: 541-682-6801
Staff E-Mail: Stuart.G.Ramsing@ci.eugene.or.us
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