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Home My WebLink AboutRESOLUTION 2002-13Suggested by: Administration City of Kenai RESOLUTION NO. 2002-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, TRANSFERRING $3,500 IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT BUDGET FROM PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO PERSONAL SERVICES IN ORDER TO HIRE A TEMPORARY CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. WHEREAS, the City of Kenai wishes to improve its code enforcement of Title 12 (Health and Safety) and Title 14 (Planning & Zoning); and WHEREAS, to do so, the City of Kenai has needs to hire a temporary Code Enforcement Officer for a trial program of increased code enforcement; and WHEREAS, there is sufficient money in the Legal Department Professional Services account to transfer to Legal Department Personal' Services in order to pay for the temporary Code Enforcement Officer. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, that the following budget transfers be made' Legal Department From: Professional Services $3,500.00 To' Personal Services $3,500.00 PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this 6th day of March 2002. ATTEST: Carol L'. - ' ~ Freas, City Clerk AyOR Approved by Finance' ~ (2/27/02 sp) CITY OF KENAI 210 FIDALGO AVE., SUITE 200 KENAI, ALASKA 99611-7794 TELEPHONE 907-283-7535 FAX 907-283-3014 ~ 1992 MEMORANDUM TO: DATE: RE' Mayor John Williams and City Council Members Cary R. Graves, City Attorney March 1, 2002 Code Enforcement Officer In this packet is a resolution transferring $3,500 from the Legal Department's professional services account to personal services. The purpose is to provide funds to pay for a temporary part-time Code Enforcement Officer. As you know, the Council has requested improved code enforcement for Titles 14 (Planning & Zoning) and 12 (Health & Safety, e.g. junk cars). I have attached the job description for the Code Enforcement Officer. The position would be temporary part-time. Since the position is temporary, the person would not be entitled to benefits such as PERS, annual or holiday leave, or medical insurance. This is a trial program to see how it works. I have tentatively moved $3,500 from professional services in next year's proposed budget in case we decide to continue the program. The job would not have a set number of hours per week. It would be on an as needed basis. When the complaints come in, Marilyn will send them to me and I will assign them to the officer. The officer will not actively patrol looking for issues. However, the officer will be expected to respond to violations he/she observes. My rough estimate is that the officer will work about ten to fifteen hours a month. That's a rough estimate though since the program is just starting. I plan to hire a person with prior law enforcement experience, preferably a retired Kenai Police Officer. That has several advantages. First, the person would be familiar with the Kenai code and the city. Second, the person would not need to be trained on how to do investigations, interview witnesses, issue citations, be knowledgeable in court procedure and the roles of evidence, etc.~he/she could "hit the ground running." A lot of training and experience is required to be able to investigate a case that will hold up in court. Since retired officers already have PERS and medical benefits, the lack of benefits due to it being a temporary position does not hurt them. There is also no pressure to expand the job to make it eligible for benefits. Mayor John Williams and Council Members March 1, 2002 Page 2 of 2 The position is already listed in the Classification Plan as a Range 17. At first I thought that range was too high; it works out to about $24.61 an hour. However, after looking at the job market for the people we are competing for (retired police officers), I don't think it's too high. Currently, a retired state trooper We hire on a contract basis to do some investigative work charges $60.00 an hour. To attract the type of person we want for only ten to fifteen hours a month, with the skills we need, we need to pay a wage comparable to what the person would make in the private sector.~ Phillips has recently increased security at its plant as a result of 9/11. Former KPD Lt. Kohler is head of security for them now as part of a private contract. He has hired several retired KPD officers and state troopers to work for him (Phillips specifically wanted retired officers to do the job). They generally work week on and week off. The starting pay there is around $25.00 an hour. Retired officers are now in high demand for security work. The private sector has set the market value for the type of people we are looking for. Please let me know if you have any questions. CRG/sp Attachment 1 If this position were to be non-temporary or half time, which would involve benefits and more hours, the Range probably could be reduced around a 12 to 13. However, it is not my desire to increase this position to half time or full-time in the foreseeable future. CITY OF KENAI JOB DESCRIPTION Title: Range: Supervisor: Code Enforcement Officer 17 (Part-time, as needed) City Attorney GENERAL DESCRIPTION This position is assigned to the Legal Department. The position is non-commissioned and not armed or involved in making arrests. The officer is responsible for enforcing municipal ordinances, primarily involving Title 12 (Health and Safety) and Title 14 (Planning & Zoning). This includes the investigation of complaints and the issuance of summonses, as well as appearing in court to testify. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 1. Exercise independent judgment in determining when probable cause exists to cite violators. . Operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner. o Communicate effectively over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications. 4. Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, summonses, citations and reports. including preparation of o Prepare investigative and other reports using appropriate English grammar, symbols and mathematical computations. o Gather information and obtain statements by interviewing suspects, witnesses and victims. , Effectively communicate information and directions. o Demonstrate effective communication skills in court and other formal settings. 0 Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with views and opinions of people encountered in an antagonistic environment. 10. Maintain strict confidentiality of all contacts, calls, conversations and written materials. JOB DESCRIPTION CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Page 1 of 2 11. Demonstrate an ability to assess situations and make appropriate decisions under stress with minimal delay. 12. Possess physical ability to perform essential job functions. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Since code enforcement officers are required to enforce the law and they are exposed to certain temptations to show favoritism, corruption, or unlawful monetary gain, it is a "business necessity" that officers exhibit a history and characteristics of honesty, reliability, interpersonal skills, and integrity. EDUCATION High school diploma or equivalent required. EXPERIENCE Previous experience which indicates potential for success in dealing with people involved in stressful situations. Law enforcement experience' is preferred. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS o Minimum of 18 years of age. , Possession of a valid Alaska operator's license and a satisfactory driving record. o Satisfactory prior work history. ° Satisfactory background check consistent with law enforcement requirements. o Self-motivated and able to initiate actions with minimal supervision. o Familiar with streets, residential and park areas within the City of Kenai. The City of Kenai is an EEO employer. JOB DESCRIPTION CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Page 2 of 2