Code Enforcement Officers are performing more inspections each year as the City works to improve its appearance. At the February 17th City Council meeting, Planning Department Director, Bob Harkrader, and Assistant Director, David Beal, presented the Council with a report on the progress made by City staff to improve living conditions in neighborhoods around the City.
One of the substantial achievements of the Department was moving several properties through the condemnation process into demolition. So far, five non-compliant properties have been leveled and brought into observance of City ordinances, at a cost to the City of $32,155. All properties cleared by the City are paid for by loans and liens that the property owners are expected to repay. Unfortunately, Code Enforcement is not a moneymaking operation of the City, but, as Beal conveyed to the Council, “there is a choice whether to spend the money and the City looks better, or not to spend the money and live with the problem.”
Another achievement of the department, and the City as a whole, is the CBC program. Positive outcomes of the program, aside from its attempts to clean up the community, are increased communication among City departments and improved citizen awareness of how various City departments can serve their needs. Furthermore, the new repeat code offender fine of $250, which was a result of repeat tips to CBC and included in this year’s schedule of fees and charges, has encouraged property owners to maintain a clean reside