Gillespie detailed the scope of her department's work, which centers on enforcing the Minnesota State Building Code—the set of rules that govern how buildings must be constructed and maintained. Her responsibilities include reviewing plans for new structures before construction begins, conducting inspections during and after building, and enforcing codes on existing buildings that may not meet current standards.

The Building Official emphasized that her department's primary mission is ensuring life safety for everyone who lives or works in Bloomington buildings. This involves a collaborative approach with developers, contractors, and property owners as the city continues to grow and develop, including ongoing redevelopment in areas like the south loop.

Gillespie brings significant experience to the role. Before joining Bloomington, she worked in similar positions in the Phoenix area and Maricopa County, Arizona. Her background in building code enforcement across different jurisdictions has informed her approach to the work in Minnesota.

When buildings or property owners fail to meet code requirements, Gillespie's department issues official enforcement orders directing them to make necessary corrections. This ensures that safety standards are maintained across the city's building stock.

The council's "At Your Service" format provided an opportunity for community members and elected officials to learn directly from city staff about the essential work happening behind the scenes to keep Bloomington safe and functional.