For nearly 6 months, 15 employees from the City of Mesa Building Safety Division volunteered their time every Monday night to learn about the International Business Code. Deputy Building Safety Director Steve Hether, who has taught Introduction to Building Codes at Mesa Community College for 5 years, volunteered his time to teach the class. City Manager Chris Brady has recognized the employees for outstanding customer service while presenting Hether with “An Essential Piece” award from the Development Services Division.
“I appreciative the efforts of employees taking their own time to provide outstanding customer service,” Mesa City Manager Chris Brady said. “This proves Mesa has a dedicated work force.” The permit technicians, development information specialists & administrative staff devoted about 45 hours in class & at least 3 times as many hours outside of class, which included 10 working exercises, 18 individual study sessions as well as a mid-term exam & final exam. All of the employees received a score of 90% or higher on the final exam.
“This is an extraordinary voluntary effort by City staffers to improve their knowledge about our requirements so they are better able to serve our customers,” Mesa Building Safety Director Terry Williams said. “Camaraderie among the employees improved dramatically because of the class & it also improved morale.” The class covered the entire International Building Code & offered a better understanding of construction & the need for building permits. This knowledge will help the employees explain the code to property owners throughout Mesa.