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