Everman swears in Ryan Torres as code enforcement officer; certification and supervision required

The Everman City Council and city staff on Tuesday introduced and swore in Ryan Torres as the city’s new code enforcement officer.

City staff said Torres requested the assignment and has worked for the city in the water department for about five years. He began orientation and software training immediately and will attend a certification course; staff said the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation requires newly assigned code enforcement officers to be supervised by a fully licensed code enforcement officer for one year.

Police staff and the city manager said Torres will focus on gaining voluntary compliance through notices of violation in the near term. Staff clarified that while the city may issue an initial notice of violation, an enforcement action such as a citation or summons cannot be issued by an uncertified officer; Corporal Scott Dabbs will supervise and proof Torres’ work until Torres attains full certification.

Torres’ swearing-in followed remarks acknowledging code enforcement as one of the primary community complaints after streets. The police department’s report at the meeting welcomed Torres and noted his transfer from the water department; staff and council members discussed training, certification timing and the plan to emphasize voluntary compliance before enforcement.

Clarifying details recorded at the meeting: Torres has approximately five years of city service (water department); he began orientation the day of the meeting and will attend the code-enforcement certification class in August; for one year he must be supervised by a certified officer per state requirements; while uncertified he may issue notices but not citations or summonses.