La Plata proclaims October as National Code Compliance Month and Community Planning Month

The Town of La Plata Council on Sept. 23 proclaimed October as National Code Compliance Month and Community Planning Month, recognizing the town's code enforcement officers and planning staff for their service to residents.

Town Manager Chuck Stevens introduced the first proclamation, saying the federal designation followed Hurricane Katrina and highlighted the role of code enforcement in public safety. "These are incredibly dedicated, highly qualified professionals," Stevens said, noting the town's code enforcement team "are a small team, but they're mighty. There's 3 of them and I want to call them out by name here this evening. We have Aaron, Austin, and Mitchell." Councilman Gregory Sampson Jr. read the formal proclamation on behalf of the council.

Stevens then introduced a proclamation recognizing Community Planning Month. Councilman Paul C. Guttenberg read the proclamation and the council singled out the town planning staff by name. Stevens identified Don Dooley as the town planning director and named planners Debbie, Melinda, and Crystal as members of his team.

The proclamations note the public-service role of code enforcement and planners in areas such as building, zoning, housing, environmental health and life-safety issues and call on residents to recognize their work. No formal vote was recorded on the proclamations; the recognitions were presented during the meeting's regular business.

Council members thanked staff and volunteers for their service. Mayor Janine E. James and council members praised the staff for their day-to-day work keeping the town safe and supporting community planning efforts.