Reclassification would increase property inspections

NEWARK – Safety Director Bill Spurgeon wants to reclassify a Property Maintenance employee to take him from behind a desk and put him in the field to inspect properties.

The department’s current account clerk 1, George Carter, will continue to oversee financial records and the department’s computer system as a property maintenance inspector and analyst, Spurgeon said, but would spend most of his time in the field, investigating violation claims.

“We’re an average of 60 (complaints) behind on any given day,” Spurgeon said. “We have a duty to respond in a more timely fashion.”

Spurgeon said the proposed change will “put more boots on the ground” to help better protect property values, improve safety and make properties “more aesthetically pleasing.” He said that, although the Property Maintenance Department has computerized processes and increased efficiencies, “we simply do not have the staff to meet the expectations.”

The department has only one full-time inspector, Code Official Joe Paul. Carter and Zoning Inspector Nate Strauch, who works for the City Engineer’s Office, have helped out on a limited basis since a full-time code enforcer left in 2013 after grant money dried up.

Spurgeon is scheduled to present his proposal Monday night to the Newark City Council’s Personnel Committee. The full council will have final say.

If the council agrees, Carter will receive about a $6,000 raise, from $34,694 to $40,601 annually, Human Resources Director Mike Buskirk said.

Committee meetings are scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. Monday in Council Chambers, City Hall, 40 W. Main St. The Finance Committee will meet first, followed by the personnel panel.

jwilliams6@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8547

Twitter: @JoeAdvocate