Council reviews policy for proactive code enforcement and a budgeted vehicle for a second officer

City staff presented a proposed code enforcement policy intended to guide proactive enforcement if council approves adding a second full-time code enforcement officer. The policy and the budgeted purchase of a vehicle for the second officer were discussed together.

Nut graf: Staff recommended council discuss the policy before moving the vehicle purchase to consent. Councilmember comments raised the option of hiring a halftime position rather than a full-time officer, and staff cautioned that recruiting for part-time roles has been more difficult historically.

Councilman Powers introduced the policy item and explained the items are linked: the policy would guide proactive code enforcement and the vehicle purchase is budgeted in the current year. Councilmember questions focused on whether the city could start with a half-time position as a pilot; staff replied that filling part-time code enforcement roles has historically been more challenging than full-time recruitment.

Ending: Staff asked council to deliberate the policy first and then decide whether to proceed with hiring and vehicle procurement; no final hiring decision was made during the agenda review.