(SOUTHFIELD, Mich.) – The Southfield City Council approved a resolution appointing twelve employees of the building department to the additional duty of constable at the December 10 City Council Meeting. The appointments took effect immediately and grant authority to building inspectors to offer assistance with complex code enforcement situations through problem solving, and as a last resort, the issuance of appearance violation citations for code-related infractions.
“This is an efficiency measure designed to give support in complicated code enforcement situations and in several different disciplines,” said Wayne Jewell, Building Department Director. “Our building inspectors can give a helping hand because of their extensive training and level of expertise in identifying and resolving code-related issues. As a last resort, the building department employees in their dual role as constable can issue a violation. It’s a sensible way to utilize talent and deploy resources in the most efficient way.”
The newly-appointed constables include: Thomas Black, David Blakeman, Albert Boscaglia, Lorna Boulware, Kerry Comerford, Steven Deckard, Paul Frost, Don Jones, Terrance Morrone, Keith Rosen, Alan Sawinski and Joseph Tomczak. Due in part to a state mandate that requires them to receive over 100 hours of continuing education in order to maintain their licenses, constables are equipped to meet Southfield’s unique and demanding appearance needs while maintaining their dual roles as inspectors.
“This is a no-cost solution that will strengthen our ongoing code enforcement and community appearance efforts through the utilization of the education and expertise of our building inspectors,” said Southfield City Council President Joan Seymour. “This is the type of resourcefulness that is absolutely essential to maintain Southfield’s high community safety and appearance standards during tight economic times. Building Official Wayne Jewell is to be commended for bringing this concept forward for Council consideration.”
The new appointments reaffirm Southfield’s commitment to several aspects of the City’s strategic plan objectives in making the city a “preferred place to make home,” and an agency that offers “top quality city services,” while reducing the consumption of time and resources. According to Acting City Administrator Jim Scharret, the initiative will yield both immediate and long-term results.
“It is clearly a win-win situation for everyone,” he said. “It ensures safety and code compliance from homeowners and enhances our ability to remain a vigilant and proactive agency to make homes and buildings safer and in compliance with community appearance standards.”
For more information, call the Building Department at (248) 796-4100.