Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Attended a code enforcement workshop

Ward I,
Just spent the day at the Double Tree in Tulsa for the Oklahoma Municipal League's Code Enforcement Pre Conference Workshop.

I learned about Property Maintenance Codes to improve both the appearance and safety of housing stock in our communities. These codes are used as a tool to improve neighborhoods and assure acceptable standards for rental properties.
I also learned about effective code enforcement for small cities like Guthrie. As you know, times of economic challenge hit smaller communities the hardest. Yet, communities must keep themselves safe and attractive both to retain existing residents and attract new ones. Code enforcement can be done on a small but effective scale in small cities utilizing limited resources.
Additionally, I learned more about signage. Whether commercial or campaign signs, I want to work to change the ordinance in Guthrie to make it easier to follow.
Finally, I learned more about Dealing with Dilapidated housing. I learned the fundamentals of state law relating to dilapidation that can provide guidance on the do’s and don’ts of public nuisance dilapidation demolition.

I am working toward learning more about city government by gaining my Certificate of Municipal Officer (CMO) from the Oklahoma Municipal League. I am almost half way there with 17 of 40 hours completed. I hope that obtaining my CMO will help serve my constituents better.


Thanks,
John