09-11-02 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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% a Personnel and Finance Committee September 11, 2002 Page 2 reductions made for next year. The County now has a contract with the Homeless Shelter to provide maintenance of the county/city lot, which resulted in a$20,000 reduction. Code projects to clean 5,500 properties next year, with the overall goal being to have the property owners clean their own properties. Dr. Varner inquired about the overall percentage of revenue received from environmental clean-up charges. Mr. Skarbek stated that the office is run on a cash basis. Mr. Libbey added that overall there is a 30% collection rate of properties billed, and he further noted that he does not believe that Code would ever be self-sufficient. Mr. Libbey stated that receiving monies at time of closing on properties which have recorded liens from Code has turned out to be a good way to receive monies. In response to a question from Council Member Aranowski, Stan Molenda stated that there are eight(8)area inspectors or field officers and one person who does towing. The Council Attorney inquired whether Code would be having scheduled weekend hours for some of its inspectors, noting that several Council Members have requested that service. Mr. Molenda stated that the new Code Director would make that decision. Council Member Aranowski voiced concern about the illegal dumping which often occurs on weekends and after hours. Mr. Fred Than stated that he is preparing a list for the Mayor to consider addressing. He also noted that he has met with a few Council Members to hear their concerns in this area and would be incorporated many of them for the Mayor to review. 2003 Weights and Measures 2002 Expenditures $ 48,013 General Fund # 101-1202 2003 Expenditures $ 42,150 Mr. Libbey stated that this budget reflects the amount of money which the city pays to the county for the inspections in the various grocery stores and gas pumps. 2003 Code Hearing Officer 2002 Expenditures $ 54,784 General Fund # 101-1203 2003 Expenditures $ 56)976 Mr. Libbey stated that the Hearing Officer holds hearings on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, with 1,200 matters projected to be addressed by the end of this year. President Kelly inquired whether the Hearing Officer must be an attorney. It was noted that the hearing officer is not required to be an attorney, and it was further noted that Mr. Clifford's suspension does not begin until October and will run for six (6) months. Mr. Clifford is continuing to hold hearings which Mr. Thon has attended. Mr. Thon stated that he will be meeting with the City Attorney and the Mayor on this matter. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Mr. Molenda stated that the hearing process is one of the more important aspects of Code's operation since it brings the parties together. Mr. Libbey stated that the Code Director and the Code Hearing Officer are both Mayoral appointments. Council President Kelly noted that Mr. Clifford has much experience in this area.