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An Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 (“Buildings”) By Adding a New Article 16 (“Conveyances”) of the Oak Park Village Code to Adopt the Illinois Local Elevator Safety Program to Align with Section 140 of the Elevator Safety Act (225 ILCS 312/140)
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Introduction
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The Village has participated in the Office of the State of Illinois Fire Marshal (“OSFM”) Elevator Program, which is an agreement that allows the Village to inspect elevators on behalf of the OSFM. This is an Ordinance that codifies this agreement and allows staff to charge fees for this service.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the ordinance.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
Elevator inspections are the responsibility of the Office of the State of Illinois Fire Marshal (“OSFM”). Historically, the Village of Oak Park has entered into an agreement with the OSFM to perform elevator inspections, as it is more efficient and timelier through the Village of Oak Park. The Village receives no compensation for this process. However, with this agreement, the Village has more control over who performs the inspections, when, and how they are performed. It is staff’s opinion that this arrangement is to the Village’s and the elevator owner’s advantage.
Another advantage is that the Village can better enforce our adopted codes that regulate elevators if the Village is involved in the inspection process. The International Property Maintenance Code (“IPMC”) regulates elevator maintenance, states requirements on having at least one operational elevator, and requires testing. The International Building Code (“IBC”) focuses mainly on the initial construction of the elevators. The International Existing Building Code (“IEBC”) mainly focuses on elevators when they are being worked on or when other activities directly impact them.
The Village currently does not have a registration fee for elevators, and the Village is not compensated by the OSFM to perform this process. Therefore, staff is proposing adopting a registration fee of $50 per application (ORD 26-106), given the number of staff hours dedicated to the elevator program to ensure all elevators are compliant and safe for use. Staff is also proposing to increase the inspection fee for elevators to offset the contracted elevator inspection/testing cost invoiced to the Village.
In this Ordinance, staff is clarifying when elevator certifications expire and are due for renewal. This has been a frequent source of confusion with elevator owners. Currently, the certification expires one year after a successful test, which can lead to questions when testing is performed early. Staff would like to correct this to allow certificates to be valid for one (1) year that ends either on April 30th or October 31st, which coincides with the current testing schedule arranged with the Village’s current consultant, Thompson Elevator.
Timing Considerations
This project will take 2 cycles to fully implement. Dependent on the acceptance of the proposal, this would mean completion by the end of this year or next spring due to testing and registration cycles. Staff spends approximately 10 hours a week working on administrating the program and enforcing during the slower season and approximately 30 hours a week during peak season.
Budget Impact
The proposed $50 registration fee will provide the Village approximately $19,000 in revenue, annually. All other proposed inspection / testing fees will become revenue neutral. The Village will charge the elevator owner what the contractor charges the Village.
Operating Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the ordinance.
Advantages:
• This action establishes the required program with necessary authorizing language.
• This action helps offset the ongoing cost of running this program.
• This action provides clear answers and help for those complying with the required OSFM program.
Disadvantages:
• A new $50 fee will be applied, where previously this was a free registration.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Village can turn the program back over to the OSFM.
Advantages:
• No more staff time will be dedicated to running the program.
Disadvantages:
• All enforcement would have to be handled by the OSFM.
• This action can result in a lack of control over the program, as those managing the elevators are allowed to choose their own tester.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Sean Lintow Sr, Chief Building Official/ Permits & Development Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance
2. OSFM Agreement