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Genola council reinstates code-enforcement officer Manny Escoto, council debates scope and process
Summary
The council voted to reinstate Manny Escoto as Genola’s code-enforcement officer on the same terms previously used; discussion clarified his complaint-driven approach, the $500 monthly fee referenced in prior practice and how enforcement escalations are handled.
Genola Town Council voted to reinstate Manny Escoto as the town’s code-enforcement officer and discussed the scope, limits and process of code enforcement in the town.
Council members described Escoto’s prior approach as complaint-driven, aimed at voluntary compliance first and attorney referral only after an agreed timeframe. The council said Escoto will continue under the same monthly compensation arrangement discussed previously; participants cited $500 per month as the referenced fee for those services.
Why it matters: reinstating a dedicated code-enforcement official changes how nuisance, zoning and property complaints are handled—removing much of the informal burden from the mayor and centralizing complaint investigation and follow-up with a designated contact.
Key points from the discussion - Role and methods: Council described the code-enforcement officer’s tasks as investigating complaints (nuisance property, fences, unauthorized sales lots, improper mobile-home occupancy), attempting to resolve violations informally and escalating unresolved matters to the town attorney and justice court. - Relationship with law enforcement: Council and staff emphasized that routine code violations are handled administratively and are not the same as criminal enforcement led by the sheriff; serious violations can ultimately be litigated in justice court if the informal process fails. - Prior fee and terms: Council members recalled paying Escoto $500 per month previously; they indicated Escoto is willing to continue under those terms. - Authority limits and process: Council members reviewed that the town ordinance requires notice periods and steps before formal remedies; some council members said the ordinance intentionally allows time for remediation rather than immediate on‑the‑spot ticketing.
Implementation and next steps The council approved reinstatement and directed staff to finalize the agreement. Council members asked that routine reports be provided so the council can track enforcement activity and outcomes.
Ending: Council members said they prefer a complaint-driven program rather than proactive neighborhood sweeps and emphasized that having an outside point person helps avoid neighbors confronting neighbors directly.
