Code Enforcement Discussion

Health & Sanitation Director Amy Welker gave a power point presentation on the past practices in regards to Code Enforcement and the current practices established to further enhance the Code Enforcement initiative into the future.

In 2000 the city moved Code Enforcement out of the Engineering Department and under the supervision of the Director of the Health and Sanitation Department. At that time, an initiative was implemented to move to a pro-active approach to the ever-growing problems associated with code violations.

In 2005 the Neighborhood Improvement Team (NIT) was formed to include all city departments working together in coordination of all improvement efforts in regards to neighborhood, maintenance issues, and code enforcement.

Commissioner Barhorst stated he has owned rental properties for over thirty years and always put money back into them. Landlords need to invest money back into their properties not just collect rent on them, said Mr. Barhorst.

Code Enforcement Program Foundations were explained and several items are under review or are in progress.

Foreclosures / Vacant Properties, Hardship Cases, and Rental Properties were explained and a new program is under review at this time. The Property Renewal & Land Bank Program is in the development stages at this time, and Mrs. Welker explained how it would work. Rental Registration/Inspection Programs were also discussed.

Sanctions under review are Compliance Agreements, Abatements, and Criminal Charges. These were discussed with the possibility of issuing civil citations and escalating the re-inspection fees, along with repeat offenders having stronger fees.

Recommendations were discussed and code changes were proposed to support the continued efforts of the Code Enforcement staff.

Law Director Stacy Wall gave a brief explanation on how the violation citation would be issued, and how the appeal process would be handled.

Commissioner Patrizio stated he felt the current Commissioners should pass the new code enforcement changes if possible.

There was discussion of sending out a violation notification letter, and the use of an occupancy permit. Mrs. Wall stated she would put together information for the Commissioners to review.

City Manager Enderle stated he would have the code change information drafted and would hold another work session to discuss the changes soon.

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Patrizio, to adjourn from the Piqua City Commission Work Session at 6:05 P.M. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Patrizio, Terry, Vogt, and Barhorst. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

______________________________
THOMAS D. HUDSON, MAYOR

PASSED: ________________________

ATTEST: _________________________
REBECCA J. COOL
CLERK OF COMMISSION