University Heights approves $24,000 inspector contract for code enforcement, retroactive to Feb. 1

The University Heights City Council voted 4-0, with one member absent, on Feb. 11 to approve Resolution 25-03 appointing Terry Gert to perform inspector services for enforcement of the city’s rental housing code, zoning ordinance, building code and related regulations, with compensation set at $24,000 and a contract start date made retroactive to Feb. 1.

Mayor Mike Fromm introduced the resolution and said the contract was provided to the council and that Gert has been answering building-permit calls since Feb. 1. City Attorney Steve Cool told the council the “contract terms are virtually identical to the prior contract.” The council moved and seconded the resolution and approved it by roll call: Gunn — aye; Herbold — absent; Moore — aye; Shorter — aye; Swails — aye. The motion carried 4-0 (1 absent).

Council discussion and staff comments said Gert had previously worked for the city as a part-time employee paid about $20,700 annually (with payroll taxes and benefits paid by the city). The contract approved by the council treats Gert as an independent contractor; staff said the $24,000 compensation reflects the contractor arrangement and does not include city-paid benefits or payroll taxes. The council did not amend the contract text during the meeting.

The resolution directs the mayor and city clerk to sign the contract and authorizes the city to pay the stated compensation; no additional conditions or amendments were recorded in the meeting minutes.

The council did not identify any follow-up tasks beyond execution of the contract; the appointment takes immediate effect according to the retroactive start date approved by the council.