Avondale Estates City Commissioners share a laugh during the Jan. 27 City Commission meeting. File Photo by: Dan Whisenhunt

The city of Avondale Estates recently took over permitting duties from DeKalb County, and the mayor says it has made the process easier.

But Mayor Ed Rieker thinks the city can do more. That’s why he’s pushing for the creation of a City Permitting Concierge position. Rieker first proposed the idea at a work session in April.

“I’m envisioning a person who is in this role as more of a concierge as an advocate for the permittee,” Rieker explained.

Commissioners will discuss the new position at their July 23 work session, which begins at 5:30 pm. The agenda packet includes a draft job description.

“The City Permitting Concierge is responsible for answering questions and assisting permittees, processing building permit applications, scheduling inspection requests, and routing plans for zoning/plan review for commercial/residential to appropriate City staff,” the job description says.

It does not say what the salary range might be. The minimum education required is a high school diploma and “Some experience in issuing permits/permitting processes and development services preferred.”

During the meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Terry Giager asked why those duties couldn’t be outsourced to the company that handles the city’s permitting.

“To me it seems like it would be a logical choice, plus it would save us as a city the salary plus benefits,” Giager said.

“What we’re contemplating doing is probably beyond the scope of what they can offer,” Rieker replied.

To see the job description for the City Permitting Concierge, click here and scroll down to page six.