ORDER NO. 30301
HIRING CODE ENFORCEMENT/SOLID WASTE EMPLOYEE
Came to be heard this the 29th day of May, 2007, with a motion made by
Commissioner Oehler, seconded by Commissioner Williams. The Court
unanimously approved by vote of 3-0-0 to:
Authorize a Part-Time position for Solid Waste and Code Enforcement in the
OSSF Office for the remainder of this budget year only.
~'~ ~
COMMISSIONERS' COURT AGENDA REQUEST
3 a30 /
~3 i7 3b a,
PLEASE FURNISH ONE ORIGINAL AND TEN COPIES OF THIS REQUEST AND
DOCUMENTS TO
BE REVIEWED BY THE COURT.
MADE BY: Commissioner Oehler OFFICE: _County Cotmissioner
MEETING DATE: May 29, 2007
TIME PREFERRED:
SUBJECT: (please be specific) Consider, discuss and take appropriate action to consider
hiring an employee for Code Enforcement /Solid Waste.
EXECUTIVE SESSION REQUESTED: (PLEASE STATE REASON):
NAME OF PERSON ADDRESSING THE COURT:
ESTIMATED LENGTH OF PRESENTATION:
IF PERSONNEL MATTER -NAME OF EMPLOYEE:
Comm. Oehler, Pct. 4
Time for submitting this request for Cour[ to assure that the matter is posted in accordance with Title 5,
Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code, is as follows:
5:00 P.M. on the Tuesday prior to the meeting.
THIS REQUEST RECEIVED BY:
REQUEST RECEIVED ON:
All Agenda Requests will be screened by the County Judge's Office to determine if adequate information has
been prepared for the Court's formal consideration and action at time of Court Meetings. Your cooperation will
be appreciated and contribute towards your request being addressed at the earliest opportunity. See Agenda
Request Rules Adopted by Commissioners' Court, Court Order No. 25722.
-~- Rationale for F/T Code Enforcement Officer
Currently, Code Enforcement consists of one (1) P/T Officer. The
amount of cases and workload documentation for these cases necessitates
requesting adding a F/T Officer to the staffing. Caseloads continue to trend
upward and our ability to close cases diminished due to a lack of certified
personnel. Environmental Health has attempted to lessen the negative
impact by utilizing clerical personnel to supplement the work but this has
caused difficulties because of the training, certification, and knowledge
needed to complete scheduling priorities, documentation, reporting/citing
code violations, and timely follow-up to close or escalate cases.
Resolving cases began having challenges after we downsized the
Code Enforcement Officers and began trying to supplement using OSSF
clerical staffing. The increased workload and knowledge units required to
complete the tasks for Code Enforcement has continued to erode OSSF's
ability to complete their primary tasks. Beginning with 2005, Code
Enforcement resolved 78.33% of their cases. Since that time and the
reduction in force, the Code Enforcement has trended downward resolving
46.97% in 2006 and 23.26%YTD 2007. Code Enforcement "Pending"
cases are still open and entail re-occurring investigation. Currently there are
177 Pending cases from 2005 through YTD 2007.
2005 2006 2007
Pending
Total Cases 180 198 43
Resolved 141 93 10
39 105 33
Resolved 78.33% 46.97% 23.26%
In addition to these alarming numbers, we are experiencing increasing
challenges in the OSSF area due to overly extending personnel attempting to
cover both OSSF and Code Enforcement needs. During the past year, the
delegation of responsibility within Code Enforcement has modified in an
attempt to keep up with priority issues. Utilizing untrained and non-certified
OSSF administrative personnel within the Code Enforcement area continues
to add challenges.
OSSF has struggled during the past 60 days due to the prior Manager
leaving that left one (1) Designated Representative for the office and
fieldwork. We have hired a DR Trainee but it will be 3 - 6 months before
our new hire will be completely up to speed and certified. As Kerr County
-- continues to grow in population, the solid waste violations also persist in
escalating and our single P/T officer cannot keep up.
The following illustrates the cost efficient and effective job
methodology in contrast to the current job practice attempting to complete
the responsibilities using OSSF personnel.
Best Practice	Current
Clerk receives solid waste complaint and generates	Clerk receives solid waste complaint and generates
"Complaint Documentation & Action Form"	"Complaint Documentation & Action Form"
CEO researches owner information, location, previous	Clerk researches owner information, location, previous
complaint history, etc.	complaint history, etc and gives to CEO
CEO assigns priority to cases and works on them in	
order of priority	Clerk assigns case to CEO for Monday or Tuesday
CEO completes Complaint Documentation & Action	
Form during the investigation, reviews and signs the	
documentation and inputs the information into the	Clerk receives report data verbally from CEO and must
database. If caseload is heavy, CEO assigns data entry	input the information onto the Complaint
of the information into the Database to clerk	Documentation & Action Report.
	If there is a violation, clerk prepares Notice of Public
CEO determines the violation, completes and signs the	Nuisance (NOPN) for CEO's signature and then mails
NOPN. Clerk mails the notice	the notice
CEO determines scheduling and maintaining deadlines	Clerk must monitor and schedule deadlines for
for NOPN's	NOPN's
CEO schedules follow-up visits afrer 30-day deadlines	Clerk schedules CEO follow-up visit afrer 30-day
using routes of travel to decrease costs (fuel)	deadline
If still in violation, CEO issues citation and case is	>f still in violation, CEO issues citation and case is
referred to otherjurisdiction	then referred to otherjurisdiction
If CEO determines case is compliant, CEO closes case,	If case is compliant, case is closed and clerk enters
enters infornation into database, and files	information into database, and files.
Clerk prepares other correspondence as needed for	Clerk prepares other correspondence as needed for
CEO	CEO
CEO researches rules & regulations for most current	
information regarding Code Enforcement. If	
additional information or research is needed, CEO	Clerk researches rules & regulations for most curent
assigns to Clerk	information or changes, prints and gives to CEO
Several areas need immediate attention but due to the personnel shortage,
Code Enforcement is backlogged and this problem is beginning to grow
rapidly. We are also unable to utilize the $18,000.00 surveillance camera
given to us by AACOG, as we do not have the staffing to maintain vigilant
surveillance of the equipment. This camera was given to Kerr County early
in 2006 and AACOG has asked several times for reports on how the
equipment has helped us. The pictures presented are just a few of the
locations needing attention:
• Hill River Country Estates Center Point
• Elm Pass Center Point
• Holloman Road
• Madrona off Hwy 16 South (long stretch)
• Brink Road Center Point
• Center Point Drive
• Center Point River Road
KERR COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Environmental Health Inspector/ Solid Waste Coordinator
Position Description: Responsible for the implementation, coordination and enforcement of
State and local controls of illegal dumping, outdoor burning and public nuisance laws in the
County of Kerr.
Physical Capabilities:
• Must have a valid Driver's License
• Must be able to lift up to SO lbs
• Must be able to walk in difficult terrain
• Must be able to perform inspections in different climatology conditions of the Hill
Country
• Must have excellent oral and writing skills to communicate with co-workers, the public
and State agencies
• Must be able to obtain, within one yeaz of employment, a registration as Code
Enforcement Officer in training
• Must be able to obtain, within two yeazs of employment, a registration as Code
Enforcement Officer
Duties:
-- • Performs Enforcement of State and local laws pertaining to the TCEQ in Kerr County
• Provides the community with information for legal options for the disposal and removal
of solid waste in the unincorporated azeas of the county
• Provides training and education of environmental laws to the public
• Researches and identifies essential anti-dumping laws on a daily basis
• Investigates criminal and civil illegal dumping, burning and public nuisances
• Reseazches legal property location, ownership and description
• Prepares legal case report files for criminal and civil law suits
• Performs duties in civil and criminal court as expert witness on environmental law
• Performs environmental health inspections on both private and commercial property in
accordance with Texas Health & Safety Code Chapters 341, 343, and 365 specific to
essential anti-dumping laws and abatement of public nuisances
• Prepazes legal public notice letters and information correspondence for the abatement of a
public nuisance and or illegal burning
• Maintains constant updates on changes in environmental laws and in both criminal and
civil penalties
• Performs daily interaction with the public on environmental and public nuisance
complaints
• Performs surveillance operations using digital photography and video techniques for
gathering evidence of environmental crimes
• Administer and integrates all laws and regulations pertaining to Outdoor Burning in the
._. State of Texas and the County of Kerr in accordance with Texas Water Code, Chapter 7,
Texas Clean Act and the Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 111
Job Title: Environmental Health Inspector/ Solid Waste Coordinator continued
• Attends training on environmental laws and regulations on a regulaz basis
• Identifies and reports hazardous materials waste to proper authorities and Director of
Environmental Health Department
• Reports and informs the Director on all environmental cases recommended for legal
action criminal or civil
• Performs various administrative functions, report writing, case file generator, various
hardware and software applications associated with Kerr County Environmental Health
Department programs
Texas Department of State Health Services, Code Enforcement Officer Registration Progr... Page 1 of 2

t of State Health Ser~rices
Code Enforcement Officer Registration Program
Apply for a New Registration -Requirements
An Application for Registration as a Code Enforcement Officer includes
the appropriate application fee in the form of a money order or
guaranteed funds; a completed application, i.e., all questions must be
answered and all blank lines filled in; a recent photograph (no cutouts)
with a signature on its back (minimum photo size of 1 1/2 inch x 1 1/2
inch); and a notarized copy of the applicant's GED, high school
diploma, or college diploma or transcript.
Upon application approval, the applicant will be noticed and directed to
contact Promissor and make a reservation for the location where
she/he chooses to take the exam. An examination approval letter will
be issued. The program will register the applicant as a Code
Enforcement Officer or Code Enforcement Officer-in-Training after
receiving proof of the successful completion of the Basic Code
Enforcement Training course offered by the Texas Engineering
Extension Service (notarized copy of course completion certificate) and
successful passage of the examination.
Cade ~aforc~~llt E1ffiCer
Registr~ti~r~ Progr~f~
Applications/Forms
Complaint Process
Contact Us
Enforcement Actions
Links
Open Records
Rules/Reoulations
Statutes/Laws
To complete the registration process, an applicant must submit all required fees and paperwork, complete
the training course, pass the examination AND either (1) submit proof of the minimum 1 year experience
OR (2) submit a completed preceptor agreement form showing that the applicant is employed and will be
supervised in the performance job duties which include code enforcement. An individual without experience
in code enforcement who is not currently employed in a setting in which he/she can gain the required
experience may not register as a Code Enforcement Officer in Training.
Application fee -Code Enforcement Officer (2 year registration postmarked starting 1/1/OS): $111 -
Payable to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) -must accompany the application for
registration.
Application fee -Code Enforcement Officer in Training (1 year registration): $57 -Payable to the Texas
Department of State Health Services (DSHS) -must accompany the application for registration.
C°xaminatioTrfee: $5~~ayable to "Promissor"in advaTrce: yOU WtLCNO~BE ADMtTifD T~T1-If -
EXAMINATION WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM DSHS.
*What are the requirements for becoming a Code Enforcement Officer?
-- An applicant must have a GED or high school diploma or college transcript, at least one year or more of
experience in the field of code enforcement, successfully complete the Basic Code Enforcement Officer
Training, and pass the written examination with a score of 72°/a.
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/CODE/cep apply.shtm 5/7/2007
Texas Deparhnent of State Health Services, Code Enforcement Officer Registrafion Progr... Page 2 of 2
*What if an applicant has less than one year of experience but would still like to be a Code
°~ Enforcement Officer?
An applicant would qualify as a Code Enforcement Officer-in-Training because he/she has less than one
year of experience or no experience at all. An applicant must have a GED or high school diploma or college
transcript, be supervised by a registered Code Enforcement Officer, successfully complete the Basic Code
Enforcement Officer Training offered by TEEX, and pass the written examination required for registration
with at least a score of 72%.
Last Updated June 9, 2005
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/CODE/ceo apply.shtm 5/7/2007
TEEX Browse Catalog
Page 1 of 1
Home j Fire Sarvices Homeland Security I Public Safety & Security ( Public Works j Safety & Health j Search & Rescue I Economic Solu
Class Schedule
For more information about this course or to schedule a class, please contact EU.
This course can be scheduled to meet your specific requirements.
Course Description
Course Number
BT006 -Basic Code Enforcement
Hours
36.00 Hours
Description
This course instructs you in how to legally and effectively administer compliance programs in land-use and nuisance abatem
Topics
Topics covered in the course include:
•
~	Zoning
"
•	Home occupations
•	Sign regulations
•	High weeds and trash
•	Abandoned and junk vehicles
•	Legal aspects
•	Minimum housing standards
•	Dangerous building abatement
Prerequisites
The requirements for the course include: None
Audience
Code enforcement officers
Other Information
b>NOTE: For information regarding our refund policy, please call
600-824-7303.
Search Courses
Select Division
Texas Engineering Extension Service '-
Enter search keyword(s)
Searph,
'rlp; Leave keywords empty to view all course
listings in division selected above. advanced search
http://teexweb.tamu.edu/teex.cfm?pageid=training&azea=teex&templateid= l4&Division=E... 5/7/2007
EspaROl j Ragistor j Course Catalog I 6nline Courses j Training Calendar I Coniact Us
TEEX Browse Catalog
Page 1 of 2
Home ~ Fire Servires I Homeland Security I Public Safety S Security ~ Putrlic VJOrks ~ Safety & Health ~ Search & Rescue ~ Economic Solu
CIa5S SGhedtfle
Start Date	End Date	Location	Class Number
6/18/07	6/22/07	Mesquite, TX	EU HEP300 3
7/16/07	7/20/07	Lubbock, TX	EU HEP300 4
This schedule is subject to change without notice. If you have not received confirmation of the class prior to the
class start, please contact the division to get the latest schedule.
Course Description
Course Number
HEP300 -Basic Code Enforcement
Hours
36.00 Hours
Description
This course instructs you in how to legally and effectively administer compliance programs in land-use and nuisance abatem
Topics
Topics covered in the course include:
•	Zoning
•	Home occupations
•	Sign regulations
•	High weeds and trash
•	Abandoned and junk vehicles
•	Legal aspects
•	Minimum housing standards
•	Dangerous building abatement
Prerequisites
None
Audience
Code enforcement officers
Price
Please click on "details" above for individual class pricing.
Search Courses
Select Division
Texas Engineering Extension Service irk;;
Enter search keyword(s)
_____.. _.... __ Search
Ttp; Leave keywords empty to view all course
http://teexweb.tamu.edu/teex.cfrn?pageid=training&azea=teex&templateid=l4&Division=E... 5/7/2007
Espanol I Register I Course Catalog I Online Courses ~ Training Calendar I Contacf Us
TEEX Browse Catalog
listlngs in division selected above. advanced search
Page 2 of 2
http://teexweb.tamu.edu/teex.cfin?pageid=training&area=teex&templateid=l4&Division=E... 5/7/2007
Texas Department of State Health Services, Code Enforcement Officer Registration Progr... Page 1 of 1
~~
ent ©~' Skate Health ~etvi~es
Code Enforcement Officer Registration Program
Apply for a New Registration -Exam
The examination process has changed. The new exam contractor is
Promissor. Examination fees ($50) will be payable to "Promissor" in
advance. Please select an examination site, date and time in
accordance with the instructions in the Examination Handbook
available on our "Applications/Forms" page. You must have an official
admission letter from the Code Enforcement Officer Registration
Program in order to schedule to take the examination.
No one will be permitted to take an examination until an approved and
complete application has been obtained. Upon approval of the
application, a letter will be forwarded to the applicant advising the
requirements have been met and the examination may be taken. This
letter must be presented at the examination with the appropriate
identification.
Please Note: You may not schedu/e your examination with Promissor
until your DSHS application has been approved and an examination
letter has been issued.
C~Iie Enfarc~ent fJffiter
Reistfati~Il Pragrtlar~
Apolications/Forms
Complaint Process
Contact Us
Enforcement Actions
Links
Ooen Records
Rules/Regulations
Statutes/Laws
The examination is designed to test the knowledge of the applicant based on, the required training course
completed with TEEX. The examination consists of multiple choice questions and a passing score of 72% is
required. Any applicant who fails to receive a passing score may repeat the examination at another time
after payment of an additional $50 examination fee. This examination is proctored by Promissor and a
payment of $50 to Promissor is required in advance. YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE EXAMINATION
WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM DSHS.
Information about Exam Reimbursement for Veterans
Last Updated June 9, 2005
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/CODE/ceo exam.shtm 5/7/2007
G# 3~ aan!a II!H
E# 3~ as^!a II!H
i
,~
~# d~ - ss~auai~
`s
~}
1

Z# d~ v
Elmpass - CP #3
1
;~
I

__~~.n Road
i
i
t


N

~f
,~ ~~
i ,
-~
a~ ,'~
~. x.
a.Y_ ~
\~;4Y
.p
w
4
L
b i9 ~~€,
M 6 a
[ ~ ~ ~.
i ~ ~
" td P
,~ y 1 ~r
Z~ ~ 1 ~ ~,p
w ~
ra
~~,~;
~~
~ ~ ~ ~t~
±~,
' ; fS .,
+. a
.~ -~
Y ~ ~ ~ 1
~ ~g . ...

~# ~uoap~W


.,
4
5


~v~,na ~~
.rte ~ ~i'

1
4
l
i
~~~

Madrona #6
Brink Road - CP #1
z# d~ - peoa ~uia8
G# anud d~
~~
E

CP Drive #2
rP Riper Road
d #2
._. _ . ~ ~ R(~~.
~i
~t
t
i