Land use code enforcement is done primarily on a complaint-driven basis.
Typically, one disgruntled neighbor complains to the City about the unruly snowboarders (sorry for the generalization) constantly partying next door. Then the City investigates based on the formal complaint. This is the case with illegal dwelling units too.
City Council rarely supports ACTIVE code enforcement by staff -- they may say they do but, once those affected parties complain loud enough, the enforcement issue often gets dropped.
Who needs professional engineers, planners and attorneys if city council, or more specifically, Ms. Bentley, is going to (continue to) micro-manage its staff?
Imagine working for a boss who doesn't seem to understand he has a competent, profession staff at his disposal, and changes his mind every couple of years as to how he want the business run.
I think Ms. Bentley needs to better familiarize herself as to the public review and approval processes already established in the community development code.
I agree that sidewalks in Old Town are a good thing, especially if already mandated by a community-approved plan.
I'd like to hear clarification from Public Works if sidewalk locations are proposed solely within the public right of way. If that's the case, I don't have much sympathy for property owners complaining about a sidewalk splitting their front yard, especially if that front yard is in the City's ROW.
I also think that the PW should compromise on sidewalk width (4' instead of 6') to better mimic the (historical) size of many existing sidewalks within OT.
From my uninformed perspective, I don't think the City is "crying poor," per se. I think Lanning is just doing his job -- that is, identifying operational decificencies and proposing a budget to address those deficiencies. It's not his job to direct funding for community programs -- that's the (often politically-driven) responsibility of Council. Some seem to be labeling him as a "hatchet man" but I suspect he's smarter than that.
One hurt in crash at Azteca
Jim- Looks like you might need to put in a drive-up window!
July 13, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Our View: Time for code crackdown
Um, OK...
Just HOW, exactly, do you propose the City perform this crackdown?
Let's say you see some nicely-dressed fellow, toting a metal-covered clip board, snooping around the alley behind YOUR home...
June 22, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Apartment not up to code
Land use code enforcement is done primarily on a complaint-driven basis.
Typically, one disgruntled neighbor complains to the City about the unruly snowboarders (sorry for the generalization) constantly partying next door. Then the City investigates based on the formal complaint. This is the case with illegal dwelling units too.
City Council rarely supports ACTIVE code enforcement by staff -- they may say they do but, once those affected parties complain loud enough, the enforcement issue often gets dropped.
June 20, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tom Ross: Wiik among world's best octogenarians
Sven, you ROCK! 87 years old and STILL sporting spandex.
March 18, 2008 at 8:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nerney camps outside pub
Maybe the City can cite him for illegal camping? No... I'm being serious!
February 22, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wall to appeal license revocation
Can he still bike to work?
February 13, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Antonio Marxuach: The time is now
Chris Wilson, are you reading this -- Grooming the core trail for nordic skiing and snowshoes use during the winter?
Thanks Antonio for (continuing to) being a thoughful advocate for alternative transportation and a healthy lifestyle -- in all seasons!
January 6, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bentley urges negotiations
Who needs professional engineers, planners and attorneys if city council, or more specifically, Ms. Bentley, is going to (continue to) micro-manage its staff?
Imagine working for a boss who doesn't seem to understand he has a competent, profession staff at his disposal, and changes his mind every couple of years as to how he want the business run.
I think Ms. Bentley needs to better familiarize herself as to the public review and approval processes already established in the community development code.
December 20, 2007 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Proposals for Pine, 12th streets draw criticism
I agree that sidewalks in Old Town are a good thing, especially if already mandated by a community-approved plan.
I'd like to hear clarification from Public Works if sidewalk locations are proposed solely within the public right of way. If that's the case, I don't have much sympathy for property owners complaining about a sidewalk splitting their front yard, especially if that front yard is in the City's ROW.
I also think that the PW should compromise on sidewalk width (4' instead of 6') to better mimic the (historical) size of many existing sidewalks within OT.
October 30, 2007 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Our View: Wants versus needs
From my uninformed perspective, I don't think the City is "crying poor," per se. I think Lanning is just doing his job -- that is, identifying operational decificencies and proposing a budget to address those deficiencies. It's not his job to direct funding for community programs -- that's the (often politically-driven) responsibility of Council. Some seem to be labeling him as a "hatchet man" but I suspect he's smarter than that.
October 7, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )