Adopt Resolution #21-078 to Hire a Zoning Code Enforcement Officer

The purpose of this case is to authorize hiring a Zoning Code Enforcement Officer in the Community Development Department.

Background: As a result of multiple budget discussions and feedback from the public, the City Council included funds in the 2021 budget for a Zoning Code Enforcement Officer. Throughout the past several years, especially in 2020, the City began to respond to an increasing number of complaints about slow resolution to complaints. Based on this feedback, this position was added to the 2021 Budget. 

The primary objective of this new position is to provide support duties to the Community Development department in the area of code enforcement.  This position performs code enforcement inspections and follow-up on zoning and public nuisance related activities, but more importantly improves case management and conflict dispute resolution.  Primary service goals include providing cost-effective means of enforcing city code as it relates to violations of the City's nuisance and zoning ordinances.  

This staffing is necessary in order to keep up with the current volume of workload generated by complaints within the system currently established by the City Council. The Code Enforcement Program remains a complaint-based system. This staffing change would not change the program to a proactive-based approach. 

Following the application period, staff conducted 16 first interviews and six second interviews.  The interview panel included senior staff in both Community Development and Administrative Services. 

Based on a written practical exam and other qualifications, Ms. Bria Raines was selected as the top candidate.  Staff advanced her to the back grounding process which included the following pre-employment checks:  professional reference check, employment verification, driving record check and a drug screen.  Ms. Bria Raines has successfully passed the City’s back grounding process. 

The funding for this position has been accounted for within the 2021 budget and was estimated to be $75,265 with a March 1, 2021 hire date; the actual funding will be less given the delayed start date.  

Previously, the City relied on a combination of contracted services and decentralized in-house staffing. The current proposal represents a cost savings from previous years/current approach. 

Staff recommends hiring Ms. Bria Raines as a Zoning Code Enforcement Officer, effective on or near April 12, 2021 at $32.21 per hour, which is Step 3 of the 2021 Zoning Code Enforcement Officer wage scale, with a credit of five (5) vacation days.  

Motion to adopt resolution #21-078 to do the following:

Hire Ms. Bria Raines as a Zoning Code Enforcement Officer, effective on or near April 12, 2021 at $32.21 per hour, which is Step 3 of the 2021 Zoning Code Enforcement Officer wage scale, with a credit of five (5) vacation days.