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Adopt a resolution proclaiming the second week of October as Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week in Solano County
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board adopt a resolution proclaiming the second week of October as Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 283 (ACR-283) was Chaptered by the Secretary of State on September 7, 2018, proclaiming that the second week of October annually be known as Code Enforcement Appreciation Week in California. Assembly Member Cooley, the author of ACR-283, stated that “Code enforcement officers provide for safety, health and welfare of citizens in communities throughout the state of California through the enforcement of local, state and federal laws and ordinances dealing with various issues of building, zoning, housing, animal control, environmental, health and life safety. They do not often receive the recognition they deserve, and it is fitting that the State of California recognize the honor these brave officers who serve in our communities.”
The Department of Resource Management has two Code Compliance Officers (CCOs) within its Building and Safety Division that each manage a 900 square mile area in unincorporated Solano County. Each CCO receives approximately 150 public complaints per year related to building, zoning, abandoned vehicle, and business license code violations. Upon receipt of the complaint, the CCO initiates an investigation, and if violations are discovered, uses a variety of tools, including education and noticing, to guide the responsible person towards voluntary compliance. In those cases where voluntary compliance cannot be obtained, then the CCO works closely with the County Counsel’s Office to find acceptable legal remedies. Last year, our CCOs successfully resolved 80 outstanding violations by working closely with property owners and the community. Throughout the complaint resolution process, the CCOs consistently use a courteous, fair, and common-sense approach to treat everyone involved respectfully and to balance the compliance process with the extent of the violation and willingness of the responsible person to comply.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact on the County as a result of proclaiming the second week of October as Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2019/20 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2019/20 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to approve the resolution. This is not recommended because this Resolution is part of a broader California state legislation to honor and recognize Code Enforcement Officers’ hard-work and dedication to the communities they serve.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION