Lake Forest Park council waives three‑touch rule and unanimously approves one‑year extension with Safe Built Washington LLC

Lake Forest Park — On March 12 the City Council unanimously approved Resolution 26‑2066, authorizing the mayor to sign a second amendment extending the professional services agreement with Safe Built Washington LLC for municipal building services through March 2027.

Community Development Director Mark Hoffman summarized the measure during the meeting’s second reading, saying the amendment adds one additional year to the contract, increases the not‑to‑exceed amount by $120,000 and modifies the rate sheet only slightly. Hoffman explained the extension covers ongoing coverage while the city continues efforts to recruit or hire a full‑time building official.

Councilmember Riddle asked whether the extension would be flexible if the city were to hire an in‑house building official; Hoffman said the plan remains to transition to an in‑house official when feasible but that the current agreement provides necessary coverage and backup for inspections and plan review. Hoffman said longer‑term the city intends to issue an RFQ for backup building provision services when needs are less urgent.

Vice Chair Goldman moved to waive the council’s three‑touch rule to consider the resolution that evening; the motion carried, and the council then moved and approved Resolution 26‑2066 by voice vote. The transcript records the outcome as unanimous; no formal roll‑call vote was read into the record.