LTC 032-2006 Selection of Thomas Velasquez as New Building Director
ce MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 032-2006
lETTER TO COMMISSION
FROM:
Mayor David Dermer and Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez. City Manager.,/ ,~i~'
February 1, 2006 U U
Selection of Thomas Velasquez as New Building Director
TO:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
This Letter to the Commission is to inform you of a recent appointment I have made in the
Administration. After an extensive search and recruitment process for a Building Director,
which included an Assessment Center Process held on December 8, 2005, I am pleased to
announce the selection of Thomas Velasquez as the new Director of the Building
Department.
Thomas comes to us with more than 20 years experience. Most recently, Thomas has
served as the Building Official for the Broward County Building Code Services Division since
2003. As the Chief Building Inspector for the County, Thomas was charged with the
supervision of structural staff to enforce compliance with codes and regulations governing
building construction over the unincorporated Broward County as well as 26 cities served by
the County.
Thomas also served as the Building Official for the Broward County Building Department
from 1995-2003. In this capacity, Thomas served as the Building Official for the City of
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, the Town of Southwest Ranches and the Hollywood-Fort
Lauderdale Airport. His prior positions with the Broward County Building Department include
Chief Building Inspector/Assistant Building Official, Structural Plans Examiner and Structural
Building Inspector. Prior to joining Broward County, Thomas worked for the Miami-Dade
County Public Works Department A detailed resume and professional summary of Thomas'
employment history is attached for your review.
I also want to take this opportunity to commend Hamid Dolikhani, who has been serving as
Acting Building Director, for his outstanding service to our organization and our residents. I
believe that Hamid has performed in an outstanding manner and has improved the
performance of the Department in his acting capacity. I am happy to announce that Hamid
will continue with the City as Assistant Director for the Building Department.
Please join me in welcoming Thomas to our team. I am sure that you will find him to be
highly qualified and professional. The agenda for the February 8th Commission Meeting will
include an item ratifying his selection. Once Thomas officially assumes his position at the
City, we will schedule individual briefing with each of you. In the meantime, should you have
any questions, please feel free to contact me.
JMG\dm
JJ! j
Attachment
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F:\angr\$ALL\L TC-06\Thomas Velasquez- New Bldg Director.doc
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Thomas A. Velazquez
Soda Sewtyf\Urter~
9913 NNDl St
Clyct r:mt 33172
arar. ~ 765-fIJl5
Gel: (954) 658 -1lnS
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Professional Experience
Building Official
Broward County Building Code Services Division
puties and RespOnsibilities
2003-Present
Oversee daily operations of the Division through supervisory staff, Establish policies and
procedures. Plan and manage the Division's budget. Enforcement of Building Codes and
regulations. Submit reports to the Director, County Administrator and County Commission
as required. Supervise the Division's one hundred fifty employees through assistants and
supervisors. Interpret the Florida Building Code as required. Attend County Commission
meeting. Meet with other government official, civic groups, developers, contractors, and
public at large. Ensure the best service to the community with optimum use of resources.
Building Official 1995 - 2003
Broward County Building Department
Building Official for the City of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Town of Southwest Ranches. and
the HoJlywood-Ft. Lauderdale International Airport.
Duties and responsibilities
Fulfill all the duties inherent to the position For detailed infonnation, read duties and
responsIbilities above and below
Chief Building Inspector/Assistant Building Official
Broward County Buildina Department
Duties a'1d Responsibilities
1992 - 1995
As Chief Building Inspector for the County, supervision of the structural staff to enforce
compliance with codes and regulations governing building construction over the
unincorporated Broward County area and over about twenty six cities served by the
County, Supervise and direct supporting staff
As Assistant Building Official, assist the Building Official in issues regarding Code
interpretations, daily operations, establishment of policies and procedures, hiring,.and
training of employees, attend Commission meetings, reports to the Division' Dir~ctor.
County manager, and County Commission as required. meet with other government'
officials, and other duties related to the position. Fill in the Building Official position in -his
absence .
Structural Plans Examiner 1990 - 1992
Broward County Building Department
Duties and RespOnsi~ilit!es
Review blueprints, plans, sketches, and specifications to ensure the design complies with
codes and regulations governing building construction, Recommend corrective actions
when required,
Structural Building Inspector 1988-1990
.Broward County Building Department
Duties and RespOnsibilities
Conduct structural inspections to enforce compliance with codes and regulations
governing building construction.
Load Specialist 1982 -1988
Dade County Public Works Department
Duties and Responsibilities
Classification, analysis. and measurement of construction material and others for proper
and safe disposal.
Project Superintendent
American Builders
Duties and Responsibilities
Supervision of all phases of Construction.
1980-1982
Education and Certifications
· Bachelor of Civil Engineering · 1968
(Certification of transcripts attached)
· State Certified General Contractor by the Department of Business and · 1986
Professional Regulations - State of Florida eGC 38360
· Certified Structural Building Inspector by the Board of Rules and Appeals · 1988
Broward County
· Certified Structural Plans Examiner by the Board of Rules and Appeals · 1990
Broward County
· Certified Chief Building Inspector by the Board of Rules and Appeals · 1992
Broward County
· Certified Building Code Administrator by the State Building Code · 1994
Administrators and Inspectors Board - State of Florida au 0836
· Certified Plans Examiner by the State Building Code · 1994
Administrators and Inspectors Board - State of Florida PX 0304
· Certified Building Inspector by the State Building Code Administrators · 1994
and Inspectors Board - State of Florida BN 0632
· Certified Building Official by the Broward County · 1995
Board of Rules and Appeals
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Notable Achievements
" Creation, organization, and establishment of the Building Department for the City
of Weston.
,. Creation, organization, and establishment of the Building Department for the
Town of Southwest Ranches.
,. Implementation of an electronic system to input inspections results from the field to
save time and financial resources to both, the Building Department and costumers.
, Establishment of electronically application of permits for small projects to expedite
issuance of permits.
, Standardization of Plan Review and Inspection to expedite issuance of permit.
minimize Code errors, and encourage Plan Review and Inspection uniformity,
resulting in substantial saving of time and financial resources.
:, Introduction of Pre-construction workshops for large project to stimulate
coordination between builders and the Building Department for completion of
projects on a timely and proper fashion.
:,.. Improvement of the ISO rating, saving millions of dallars on insurance fees to the
community,
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