ORDER NO. 30302 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 hiring Raymond Garcia as the Solid Waste Part-Time employee in Environmental Health Office for the remainder of this fiscal year at a salary level of 17/5. 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 apart-Time position for Solid Waste and Code Enforcement in the OSSF Office for the remainder of this budget year only. ~'~ ~° COMMISSIONERS' COURT' AGF,NDA REQUEST aa~o i ,3t~3b~, PLEASE FURNISH ONE ORIGINAL AND TEN COPIES OF THIS REOUEST AND DOCUMENTS TO BE REVIEWED BY THE COURT. MADE BY: Commissioner Oehler MEETING DATE: May 29, 2007 OFFICE: County Commissioner 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 Court 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 towazds 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 Total Cases 180 198 43 Resolved 141 93 10 Pending 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 reseazches 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 prepazes 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 after 30-day deadlines Clerk schedules CEO follow-up visit after 30-day using routes of travel to decrease costs (fuel) deadline If still in violation, CEO issues citation and case is If still in violation, CEO issues citation and case is referred to other jurisdiction then referred to otherjurisdiction If CEO determines case is compliant, CEO closes case, If case is compliant, case is closed and clerk enters enters information 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 reseazches rules & regulations for most current 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 50 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 years 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 areas of the county • Provides training and education of environmental laws to the public • Reseazches and identifies essential anti-dumping laws on a daily basis • Investigates criminal and civil illegal dumping, buming 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 • Perfonns 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 3Q Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 111 ,~ Job Title: Environmental Health Inspector/ Solid Waste Coordinator continued • Attends training on environmental laws and regulations on a regular 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 Ken County Environmental Health Department programs Texas Department of State Health Services, Code Enforcement Officer Registration Progr... Page 1 of 2 ~~~ ~~ ,~` ~, , Ctepartment taf State Health Seises 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. {~~ie Ersf(lrceln~nt Officer Registr~fiitln Program Aoolications/Forms Complaint Process Contact Us Enforcement Actions Links Ooen Records Rules/Regulations 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. -- Examination fee. $50 --Payatrleto "Promissor'tirradvance~`OU WYLL Nfl~B~ADMiTTED TO~H~ 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%. http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/CODE/ceo apply.shtm 5/7/2007 Texas Department of State Health Services, Code Enforcement Officer Registration 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 I Fire Services I Homeland Security Public Safety & Security I Public Works Safety & Health Searoh & 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 Topice 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 Otherlnformation b>NOTE: For information regarding our refund policy, please call 800-824-7303. Search Courses Select Division Texas Engineering Extension Service ~;' Enter search keyword(s) Search Tlp; 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 Espadol Register Course Catalog I Online Courses j Training Calentlar Contact Us TEEX Browse Catalog Page 1 of 2 Home Fire Services Homeland Security I Public Safety & Security Public Works Safety & Health Search & Rescue I Economic Solu 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 enforoment officers Price Please click on "details" above for individual class pricing. Search Courses Select Division Texas Engineering Extension Serviee a-~wj Enter search keyword(s) ................ _.. _.. _. Search TIP: Leave keywords empty to view all course http://teexweb.tamu. edu/teex.cfm?pageid=training&area=teex&templateid=l4&Division=E... 5/7/2007 EspaROl Register Course Catalog Online Courses I Training Calendar Contact Us Class Schedule TEEX Browse Catalog listings in division selected above. adVanCed SedfCh Page 2 of 2 http://teexweb.tamu.edu/teex.cfm?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 ~~" °` T~ Department of State Health services 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 schedule your examination with Promissor until your DSHS application has been approved and an examination letter has been issued. fade Enf~arce~~€r~ Offcer R~~i53rati~rt Progra€It Applications/Forms Complaint Process Contact Us Enforcement Actions Links Open Records Rules/Rep u latio ns 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/cep exam.shtm 5/7/2007 G# 3~ aan!a II!H ~# 3~ 12Na I-:n Elmpass - CP #1 1 ,~ 4 Z# dam- - ;~ t 'V] p~o~ uouaolloH G# ~uoap~~ N C~ O ~` ~~ I ,~; ~; ,LLt ~. .y ya. ~ y' ~Js} t G ~, «i 4 ~. ~:. ~, ~ . ~} ,. i . 1 . a,:° 1 " :> ~ ;rt ~' ~ jy §~ . e a a ~2' t ' . ~ cA, 4~' l ' -~ ' ~~ pfi~'s , ~T ~ ~y, p' U E# ~uoap~W r F ., nnadrona #5 9# ~uoap~W Brink Road - CP #1 z# d~ - p~oa ~U~,9 4# aniad d~ Z# a^u4 d~ CP River Road CP River Road #2