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Waynesville council clears funds to hire part-time code enforcement officer; members press options for stalled Hammel House repairs
Summary
Council signaled funds are available to hire a part-time code enforcement officer (funding for up to 20 hours/week), while staff and council members debated expected hours, training and enforcement options for the long-standing code violations at the Hammel House property.
The Waynesville Village Council on Jan. 20 confirmed that the Finance Committee has identified funds to hire a part-time code enforcement officer and discussed next steps to formalize the position.
Mr. Chris Colvin told Council that the Finance Committee decided funds are available to hire a part-time code enforcement officer for up to 20 hours a week, and that the next steps include developing a job description, placing the position in the rates and ranges, and considering purchasing a vehicle. Chief Gary Copeland said he believes the role will not require a full 20 hours and estimated about 10 hours a week, noting the new hire would shadow Sgt. Denlinger to accelerate training.
Members stressed a learning curve that could reduce hours over time. Council directed the Finance Committee and staff to prepare a job description and classification and to return with implementation details before posting the position.
Council also discussed ongoing code enforcement at the Hammel House property. Village Manager reported that Mr. Alexander's sentencing in Mayor's Court is scheduled for Feb. 9 related to code violations; Mrs. Connie Miller raised concerns that the fire suppression system remains nonfunctional, posing risks to attached buildings. Chief Copeland said he would like to pursue additional code charges but said the magistrate and prosecutor prefer to close current cases before filing further charges. Mr. David Nation asked whether civil condemnation could be used if the owner does not act; Law Director Jeffery Forbes explained that condemnation is a civil process requiring filing in Common Pleas Court and is separate from the criminal charges, and that it is typically a longer remedy.
Council and staff also discussed compliance items from an insurance risk assessment: Hylant Insurance recommended removing the felony question from the Village's job application to comply with ORC; the transcript records that this change has been made and that Chief Copeland received communication about meeting HB 96 requirements, though no specific statutory subsection was cited in the minutes.
The minutes show no public comment on these items. Follow-up actions include drafting the code enforcement job description and staff coordination on the Hammel House court process and potential civil remedies.
