03-13-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 27, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 10. DEVELOPMENT PROCESS REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (continued) Gaffron stated the City's Code has evolved over the past 60 years and it has resulted in a piling on over the years. Gaffron stated it is good to take a look at it and see where changes can be made without having unexpected impacts. Printup moved, Crosby seconded, to refer the recommendations of the Development Process Review Committee to the Planning Commission. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 11. ONLINE PERMITTING SOFTWARE Barnhart stated one of the main goals of the City Council is to improve service to residents and contracts as part of the building and zoning activities. A well developed software system would be an opportunity to streamline the City's processes and improve communication between the public and City Staff. Staff has solicited information and quotes related to upgrading the City's permitting software to include the following services and features: - Online submittal of permits and land use applications - Online approval of certain permits - Submitted gatekeeping for permits and applications - Permit numbering and land use numbering system - Integrated property ownership records - Customizable reporting - Online status review for applicants Of the three, Staff would recommend Citizen Serve. This system can be expanded to include permitting and tracking of all permits, including Public Works, the dog park, special events, etc. Barnhart stated if the City does shift to an online building permit process, some changes may need to be made to the City's online payment system. Most of these programs do not correspond with PSN, the City's system provider, without additional costs. With Council support, Staff may review the City's needs with its current provider to determine if changes should be made. Barnhart noted this item was not budgeted for this year but that there are funds available in the Equipment Outlay Fund. Ongoing costs would come from a budgeted line item. A portion of the costs could be recouped through surcharges on permits or a convenience charge via online payments. Staff would recommend Citizen Serve since they are a more mature system, is more tailored to the City's needs, and had previously worked out the bugs in their system more completely. Seals asked what would happen if there is a homeowner that is computer illiterate. Barnhart indicated Staff would still accept paper permits but those would need to be entered into the system electronically at some point. Barnhart stated Staff is also looking at having a kiosk available at City Hall that people can use. Seals commented over time she anticipates people will see the value of doing it electronically. Page 18 of 23