Code Red

The Mayor, as one of his duties as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City, is responsible for the compliance with  City Codes, building, nuisance and all things that keep order in the City.  The Chief of Police and the Director of Public Works are the primary individuals who implement compliance.

There has been a consistent rumble from the Aldermen the past three years regarding problems, especially in West Ridge, with trash, lack of proper runoff mitigation, mud on the streets, lack of toilets, etc.  Alderman Finn brought these issues up during Aldermen Comments at BOA meetings numerous times.  Aldermen Richmond and Clark as well.

I know it can be uncomfortable to confront residents, residents to be or their agents.  Nobody wants to be the bad guy...but...enforcement of City Codes is there for a reason...to make our community safe and maintain standards that all should adhere.  Why would Botbyl be soft on code enforcement?  Good question.

Oh, and are you aware of the building fiasco that has been ongoing (2+years) in Blakewood?  How could that happen? (neighbors have been asking that question for some time).

I did witness an interesting situation during a BOA meeting in the summer of 2016.  A couple, residents on Westside Drive, appeared a second time before the BOA to complain about water and mud that was continuing to flow across the street on to their property after rain storms.  This was coming from a home under construction across the street.  Their next door neighbor attended as well to complain about the lack of action.  This shouldn't happen.

Alderman Clark finally took the initiative on lagging citations, working with a Police officer to identify and ticket offenders.  It is pretty simple really.  It just takes someone at the top to make it a priority.  And that someone should be the Mayor.