Commission approves five-year code-compliance contract with Calvin Giordano & Associates after negotiations expand team and training requirements

Deerfield Beach commissioners voted Aug. 19 to award a contract for code compliance services to Calvin Giordano & Associates (CGA) for up to $1,499,950.40 over five years, with two three-year renewal options. The award follows negotiations that added staff, training mandates and new contract terms intended to address longstanding resident complaints about response times and customer service.

Contract changes and staffing: The new contract replaces the prior turnkey agreement and increases the assigned field team from 11 to 14 positions. The revised staffing model splits the city into two geographic zones, each with regular and senior inspectors and a dedicated CGA supervisor; four specialty inspector positions will handle commercial, solid waste, zoning/landscaping and “seasonal” matters (for example, turtle-season beach checks and short-term-rental issues).

Training and certification: For the first time, the contract requires minimum certifications for inspectors (ICC/FAO levels). New hires must hold an initial certification on start and attain a higher certification by the end of year one; senior inspectors and supervisors must maintain higher-level certifications on a defined schedule. CGA will provide regular customer-service training; a city official will review customer complaints and escalate persistent issues.

Operational and financial safeguards: The negotiated contract includes a position-vacancy credit so the city receives refunds for unfilled roles; it also adds greater city oversight and audit rights. The contract includes a commitment from CGA to provide a concierge-style check-in and remote video inspection options for some project types (in line with recent state allowances). Staff told the commission the lump-sum contract structure gives the city predictable budget costs and that a comparable in-house program would cost more.

Commission and public comment: The vote followed public testimonies both criticizing prior CGA performance and praising improvements. Commissioners noted continued resident complaints historically against the vendor but also acknowledged the negotiated contract terms, added positions, and enforcement and training measures. The measure passed by roll call vote.

Next steps: CGA is to transition operations, implement the training and certification schedule, and work with city staff on new reporting and complaint-escalation procedures. The contract requires CGA to deliver expanded weekend and evening coverage in practice and to participate in outreach and HOA meetings.

Bottom line: The city approved a restructured contract that increases staffing, adds certification requirements and tightens oversight of code compliance work while preserving the cost predictability of an outsourced contract. Commissioners directed staff to monitor vendor performance and to use contractual levers if service targets are not met.