Title
Safety Codes Council External Audit (January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017)
Proposed Motions
1. That Council accept the Safety Codes Council External Audit for the building, electrical, gas, plumbing and private sewage disciplines for the period of January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017 as information.
2. That Council support Administration's actions and plans to implement the recommendations of the Safety Codes Council External Audit from the Safety Codes Council for the period of January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017 as information.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the recommended actions and plans to implement the Safety Codes Audit for the period of January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017.
Purpose
Administration seeks a Council's support in implementing the Safety Codes Audit for the period January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017.
Summary
On September 4-6, 2013, the Safety Codes Council audit team conducted an external audit of all disciplines for the period January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. Parkland County received the final report on July 30, 2015. This external audit outlined twelve areas of concern, with each of these areas having numerous deficient observations. At the time of the review Parkland County Safety Codes Services was delivered through a combination of internal County staff (two Building Inspectors) and an external contracted agency for the inspection of all other disciplines. The areas of concern primarily involved functions that were handled by our contracted inspection agency. The 2013 audit highlighted 12 areas of concern ranging from the improvements needed in the Quality Management Plan, a registry of Safety Code Officers and Permit Issuers, records on variances for private sewage, inspection reporting, to closing of active and inactive files. Under the direction of Lee Danchuk, who was a consultant at the time, all the identified concerns were corrected and a response was submitted to the Safety Codes Council. The Safety Codes Council confirmed they were satisfied with all correction actions taken. A copy of the 2013 audit findings and actions taken are summarized in the attached 2015 Council Report attached.
On October 16-19, 2017, the Safety Codes Council conducted an audit for the period January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017. The audit made it evident that the decision to bring safety codes in-house was very successful. The results indicated two minor recommendations in document wording and these recommendations were implemented immediately. The two findings and recommendations were on the Bylaw and Fee Schedules - that Parkland update the fee schedule, and control deficiencies in the permitting process - that Parkland update the building permit form to include a description of the project field. Also, in the closing meeting with the Audit Manager, he advised that our process mapping and corresponding procedures were exemplary, and he requested permission to use these as examples in other municipalities.
Strategic Plan
Guiding Principle 4.1 We are recognized leaders in municipal governance, managing our resources responsibly and sustainably, ensuring we leave a vibrant and resilient community legacy to those that follow us; and
Guiding Principle 4.3 We ensure streamlined and modernized municipal operations and services, with a focus on customer service.
Financial Impact:
Cost: None