Sheboygan, WI (WHBL) – When Sheboygan Alderwoman Susie Lessard first raised the issue of hiring an additional code enforcement officer, the measure was voted down. Alderman Darryl Carlson led the charge to table the motion, citing lack of funding on the city’s part, and the possibility of adding financial hardship to struggling Sheboygan residents. That was last October.
The issue was revisited in the following Common Council session with success. In November, the city allocated $25,000 to pay for a part time code enforcement officer to help catch up on residential areas that were seemingly being overlooked due to the growing demands of inspections on commercial properties.
Now, the part time worker is on the job, and making a difference…a big difference.
Lessard says, “They’re going and cleaning up really distinct areas. I’m pleased. It’s a simple phone call, and they go check it out right away - not that that they weren’t as expedient as they could have been before. But, I think having the extra manpower is just making a world of difference . I’m very happy. ”
Since the new officer came on the scene in January, the number of warnings and citations being issued for code infractions is on the rise. More frequent citations are being doled out for untidy lawns where the grass or weeds are taller than 12”, or trash left curbside too long. In more severe cases; residents are asked to throw on a coat of paint, ordered to make needed repairs to property that is clearly visible, or to remove – well, junk. All of which are issues Lessard considers blights that threaten to lower property values in otherwise beautiful neighborhoods.
When we toured the city with Lessard in October, she pointed to house after house where either repair was needed, in some cases windows were boarded up, roofs needed work, there were broken steps, or damaged garages that stood out.
“My main concern has never been the fines and the costs to people. My concern has always been let’s shine up Sheboygan, and I think having an additional code enforcement officer gets us closer to where we want to be” Lessard says.
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