Code enforcement cites demolitions, $700,000 in grants for Clean Streets program; proposes community enhancement coordinator

Code enforcement told council members the office opened more than 1,300 cases and closed more than 1,200 last year, conducted hundreds of public nuisance removals and removed more than 200 abandoned vehicles. The department credited grants for funding downtown trash cans, park improvements and other beautification infrastructure.

“we secured over $700,000 in grants from CalRecycle, state bill 1383, Caltrans as a — Wow. Enforcement's efforts to beautify the city,” the code enforcement presenter said, noting that the funds paid for new downtown trash cans, park water fountains and other placements.

The presenter also described cost recovery work for demolition of hazardous structures: “Over the last 3 years … we have demolished close to 19 properties … and we've been paid back for all of those properties,” the officer said, describing methods for locating responsible owners and liens to recover city costs.

Staff proposed a change to the navigator/community outreach function: a new community enhancement coordinator would shift one navigator position to a coordinator role responsible for mobilizing city crews, coordinating clean‑ups, managing the City Works/clean‑streets crews, and responding quickly to quality‑of‑life complaints that otherwise require the code director’s personal attention.

Why it matters: The grants and the City Works clean‑streets program have funded visible improvements downtown and in parks, and staff say formalizing the coordinator role will speed responses to dumped trash, graffiti and illegal encampments.

Ending: Code enforcement asked council to consider funding the community enhancement coordinator and to continue supporting grant applications for CalRecycle and Caltrans programs that fund infrastructure and cleanup crews.