Inspector team is shrinking, but workload isn't

City inspectors have a tall order. Not only are they required to check every building project for safety and stability, they'll now have to do it with one-third fewer people.

Rolling Meadows' three-man building inspection team is reduced to two with today's retirement of Gene Mackin, an electrical specialist who has been with the city since 1991.

If you've renovated your home in the past few years, you may have met them. They're the guys who stop by periodically to ensure the work being done is up to the city's building standards.

But Mackin is moving on and likely won't be replaced for some time.

"We have to get through the winter," said building inspector Jim Ooms, who adds that it'll be challenging without the benefit of Mackin's experience and skill. "He's extremely knowledgeable and very skilled, and we're losing that," Ooms said

Mackin started his career as an electrician, then moved into contracting work. Seventeen years ago he was looking for another change, so he answered an ad in the paper for the Rolling Meadows inspector job and got it. Now, at 70, his next move is a career in real estate investment.

The community development staff is honoring Mackin today with a cake and small party. For him, the toughest part of the job is leaving it. "It's the people you work with," he says.

While his relationship with residents and business owners often is brief - one or two visits and he's done - over the years Mackin has gotten to know many contractors who do business in the city.

Inspectors can be the bearers of bad news to builders to might have to redo some work. But Mackin knows his job is crucial to citizens' safety. "I have to follow the code," he says. "You try to do it with some sensitivity. If something is wrong, we have to tell them. It's life-safety situation."

While Ooms and plumbing specialist Tom Trapani have knowledge of the electrical code, they hope some extra training will help them through the next few months. Their workload is sure to increase without Mackin, but Ooms expects to keep up with timely inspections. "It's got to be done," he says.

The team has worked Saturdays this summer in an effort to increase property maintenance inspections. There were 117 more permits issued in the first half of this year than in 2007, a city report shows, so there's no sign of the work slowing down.

Mackin believes the quality of inspections has increased over the years. He says it's obvious when someone on a project isn't familiar with the city's rules. Sometimes a homeowner will get advice from a do-it-yourself store but the store worker doesn't know the city's code.

"If you're not qualified and don't know what you're doing, hire someone who does," he advises. However, he adds that when residents insist on renovating themselves and they do their homework, it often works out fine.

Ooms says he'll miss his longtime team member's helpful attitude. "If a contractor has an issue on a job, Gene goes over it with him. He will even come back the same day," he said. "To work with the guy, you'd never know he's 70."

Working with inspectors

• Have a consultation with an inspector before the project begins

• Understand the order of the job

• Have each segment of the project fully completed to where an inspection is needed

• Be home at the appointment time

• Have a person on site with knowledge about the project

• Present the approved plans to the inspector

Source: Rolling Meadows inspectors

• Colleen Thomas welcomes your news about community events and people. Call (847) 427-4591, or e-mail her at cthomas@dailyherald.com.