Local Columns
The Code Enforcement Office - One Year Later
By Robert G. Yandow
York Town Manager
Robert G. Yandow
After reading the report from the Code Enforcement Review Committee, I read it a second time. I then spoke with various members of the Review Committee, a number of interested and affected citizens, the media and various public officials. I then interviewed all of the employees in the code office, most of them on several occasions. At this point, I felt that I had sufficient information and context in order to develop a course of action that would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Code Enforcement Office.
While there is still progress to be made, I believe the Code Enforcement Office has taken a sizeable step forward in the past 12 months.
Many of the recommendations made by the Code Enforcement Review Committee have been implemented. Some of the administrative recommendations concern online permit applications and frequently asked questions, computer software for tracking permits and increased training for code office personnel. All of these recommendations have been implemented.
Another important recommendation concerned filling the previously authorized half-time shoreland resources officer position. This position was consolidated with another voter-authorized administrative and technical position, which resulted in the hiring of Cayce Dalton as a full-time shoreland resources person with additional technical and administrative responsibilities.
Since my review was completed and submitted to the Board of Selectmen, two of the three certified code officers have resigned from their positions. Mark Badger, managing code officer, resigned due to health reasons and Tom James, code inspector, resigned for family reasons. Katherine Newell, a fully certified code enforcement officer who previously worked in Lebanon and Sanford, was hired to fill the inspector position and both she and Cayce Dalton will be able to fill in at the code office counter in the future to reduce the number of times we are unable to issue permits due to personnel shortages.
Probably the most significant recommendation from the Code Office Review Committee concerns the need for a single department manager overseeing operations. Since Mark Badger's resignation, an internal reorganization has been approved by the Board of Selectmen. The reorganization consolidates the Planning, Code Enforcement and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) departments into one department which will be known as the Department of Community Development.
The Department of Community Development will be managed and supervised by a director of community development who will be responsible for all department operations, but with a primary focus on the Code Enforcement Office. This will result in enhanced management and accountability in the code office as the director of community development will be able to concentrate on supervising department operations and providing guidance rather than working on individual permit applications or violations.
I am confident that our three certified code enforcement officers are capable of meeting the service demand and operating in a consistent and fair manner. It is impossible to avoid occasional conflict when interpreting and applying various codes; however, the goal is to limit that conflict, treat everyone fairly and with respect and to continuously work on enhancing operational efficiency. We will continue to make improvements and maintain stability in the code office under the Department of Community Development. Please feel free to provide any comments or suggestions that you feel may be helpful.
