Trustees appoint dangerous‑buildings hearing officer and name Rick Hutchinson building‑division superintendent

The Waterford Township Board of Trustees on Jan. 27 approved two personnel appointments: a volunteer dangerous‑buildings hearing officer and Rick Hutchinson as superintendent of the building division.

Jeffrey Pukowski, director of development services, explained the dangerous‑buildings hearing officer position is statutorily required in Michigan and is responsible for determining whether a structure is dangerous and setting up demolition or condemnation procedures. The township proposed a stipend of $300 per inspection for the volunteer appointment; Pukowski said the town had conducted about one inspection in the past two years.

Following the board vote, the appointee identified as Wendell came forward to be sworn in.

Later in the meeting trustees approved the appointment of Rick Hutchinson as superintendent of the building division after Pukowski explained Hutchinson’s background. "Rick has worked for the township as the electrical official... He has his official builder's license. He is a certified plans reviewer, and he has applied for the position," Pukowski said, recommending Hutchinson for the role that was vacant following a retirement.

Both appointments were approved by roll call vote. The dangerous‑buildings officer appointment was recorded with unanimous support among members present; the building‑division appointment also passed on a recorded roll call.

Why it matters: The dangerous‑buildings officer performs legally required determinations about unsafe structures on behalf of the township. The superintendent of the building division oversees building inspections, plan review and enforcement activity; the appointment fills a vacant senior position in the development services department.