Hudson Oaks code enforcement program paying dividends

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July 31, 2012

Hudson Oaks code enforcement program paying dividends

Brian Smith Weatherford Democrat The Weatherford Democrat Tue Jul 31, 2012, 07:53 AM CDT

WEATHERFORD —

HUDSON OAKS — A program where police officers are used as code enforcement officers is drawing big rewards in the city.

Police Chief Brandon Mayberry said the program began earlier this year. All officers attended a meeting and became code enforcement officers in conjunction with their regular duties. They were given copies of ordinances and asked to focus their attentions on the northern part of the city.

Officers noted a total of 14 dilapidated buildings with letters being sent to residents March 6. Fourteen compliance issues were reported with anything from junked cars to high grass to cars being parked on lawns, Mayberry said.

Compliance issues were also explained to the homeowners, and a timeline was set to get the issues cleaned up. As of last week, 11 of the 14 areas had been cleaned up with the other three working toward compliance in cooperation with the police.

In a unique development, Lakeshore Baptist Church and Pastor Tommy Hood have offered their services to assist in getting those areas that are not in compliance. Assistant City Administrator Pat Lawler said Hood approached the city with an idea of providing physical assistance if the city would provide the materials to do the job and also provide disposal.

Seeing areas get cleaned up has also had other benefits, Lawler said.

“We’re having a lot of the neighbors in areas that were cleaned up clean up their own areas,” Lawler said. “It’s been nice to see.”

The focus has now changed to businesses using temporary banners. Nine violations have been sent out for noncompliance for having banners out too long or other offenses.