Code Enforcement Combing City

NEW METHODS ALLEVIATE COMPLAINTS

By By Steve Caraway <a href="mailto:SCARAWAY@NWAONLIN

Posted: November 2, 2009 at 4:01 a.m.

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SPRINGDALE — Springdale code enforcement workers are close to fi nishing an inspection of the entire city.

“We’re getting less complaints to my office,” said Mayor Doug Sprouse. “I hope that shows we’re doing a better job.”

This summer, Sprouse decided a bigger dent had to be made in the city’s code violations. He worked out a plan with Mike Chamlee, director of building inspection, and Danny Snow, head of code enforcement, to inspect the entire city.

“It’s the way you eat an elephant,” Sprouse said. “One bite at a time.”

The department divided the city into eight segments, mainly along major city streets. Two code officers cruise the streets of the section, looking for violations. The third officer in the department handles complaints.

When a section is completed, all officers help catch up on complaints, then go to the next section. Previously, all three o◊cers worked only on complaints.

“We started on July 31 with the first section,” Chamlee said. “We should wrap up the last section next week.”

Since the new system started, o◊cers have issued 330 violations for tall grass and weeds, 304 for junk and trash and 126 for parking on the grass. After violation notices have been given, 1,498 rechecks have been completed. Only 103 citations to appear in court have been given.

“We have always been about compliance,” Chamlee said. “We try not to give out citations unless they won’t correct the problem or arerepeat o◊enders.”

The time spent shows the o◊ce should be able to work the entire city four times a year, Chamlee said.

“It’s like painting the Golden Gate Bridge,” Chamlee said. “As soon as you finish one end, you start on the other.”

Some people have to be reminded to clean up their homes, said Bobby Niven, code o◊cer. When reminded, they’ll do what is needed, he said.

“You’ll keep walking around a bucket when you know you need to pick it up and move it out of the way,” Niven said. “When your wife tells you to pick it up, you will.”

Sprouse and City Attorney Jeff Harper, at the last City Council meeting, mentioned their offices have received fewer complaints. Chamlee said his volume may have gone down slightly, but taking calls still keeps an employee busy.

“There will always be complaints,” Chamlee said. “You can go through on Friday and there will be violations crop up on Monday. I do think we are making headway.”

News, Pages 6 on 11/02/2009

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