Consultant outlines code-enforcement review; commissioner presses for expanded scope

Calvin Giordano & Associates provided an update on a review of the Delray Beach Code Enforcement Division, and a commissioner asked the consultant to expand the study's scope to address specific questions raised by recent complaints.

Consultant presentation: Bernard Pita, director of code services for Calvin Giordano & Associates, told the commission he completed interviews with division leadership and staff, observed field operations and conducted ride-alongs. He described the division as "very unique" with many operational "tentacles" and said next steps include interviewing five external stakeholders, finalizing the report in mid-to-late February and presenting findings to the commission in March 2025.

Commissioner concerns and requested additions: Commissioner Angela Burns said the 35-page draft the city received did not address some specific local concerns. Among the items she requested be added or reviewed in the final report: whether managers were informed about allegations of bribery and extortion by a department employee; whether a staff member improperly removed a lien from their own property; whether enforcement notices comply with the statute referenced in the meeting (transcript: "162"); explicit reference to the city's Code of Ordinances Chapter 37 and whether the division's practices comply; review of employee personnel files; assessment of the legal-notice process and relief/stipulated-settlement agreements; whether violations are tiered and whether fine mitigation or incentives for compliance are appropriate; and comparison with nearby municipalities (the consultant had completed a similar review for Dunedin in 2019). Pita said reviewing employee files had not been part of his original scope but that he had reviewed the municipal code available online.

Next steps: The consultant reaffirmed his schedule to complete stakeholder interviews and finalize the report in mid-to-late February, followed by a commission presentation in March. Commissioner Burns requested the final report address the specific items she raised; the consultant acknowledged those requests and the commission asked staff to ensure the final report covers compliance with statute and local code, and the relief and fine mitigation questions.

Why it matters: Code enforcement operations affect fairness and public trust in municipal government; commissioners asked the consultant to clarify whether processes and outcomes are applied uniformly, to describe improvements to reduce perceived or real conflicts of interest, and to propose remedies if internal controls or procedures are inadequate.