Some restructuring has taken place in Southold Town Hall in recent weeks, with the code enforcement officer now reporting directly to the town attorney’s office.
“I believe that the board made this small administrative restructuring because of the nature of that position,” Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said this week. “While identifying code violations is the first decision to be made, the reality is that most of his activities are case-building with the attorney’s office. It was simply a pragmatic move.”
Previously, code enforcement operated under the building department’s jurisdiction.
“Code enforcement and building inspections are two completely different jobs, and if we are going to start concentrating on enforcing our codes then he is going to need to work closely with the person that will eventually prosecute the offenders,” Southold Town Councilman Jim Dinizio said this week. “I am confident that Assistant Town Attorney Stephen Kiely will get the most out of our current code enforcer.”
In addition, Russell said the town has received permission to establish the position of a part-time code enforcement officer. “We are currently complying to with the requirements of the collective-bargaining agreement then expect to advertise and hire shortly.”
The idea for the administrative shift was first discussed back in March.
“My position has been that it should be a free standing office with a director and staff,” Russell said then. “However, the board can restructure as it sees fit.”
The move is lateral, with no financial impact to the town, he said.
Russell said the town also has two building inspectors; code enforcement is one of the duties of the building inspectors, he said. In addition, the town has three bay constables who enforce wetlands code.
“The task of code enforcement involves the town attorney and the building department. The administrative move won’t change that,” Russell said.
