SCHENECTADY Code office given upgrade BY KATHLEEN MOORE Gazette Reporter
The city is hiring a second person to analyze the Code Enforcement Department as acting Mayor Gary McCarthy tries to find ways to handle the city’s crumbling housing stock. Tom Wilson, a project manager for the Metroplex Development Authority, would work part-time as a consultant, Mc-Carthy said. His contract would call for an hourly wage not to exceed $28,000 for three months of part-time work, McCarthy said. The City Council may vote on the contract Monday. The city is also paying Code Enforcer Richard Alois to run the department on an interim basis and John Paolino as a consultant to the Code Enforcement Department. Paolino said he and Wilson would not duplicate each other’s work, adding: “I am certainly open to anything he can bring to the process.” Paolino was assigned to reorganize the department to make it more effective. He has sent workers to anger-management training, pushed them to computerize their records, and changed their work schedule to reduce customer wait time during the day. There have been “substantial” improvements, but it’s not enough, McCarthy said. “We’re still getting complaints. We always have had concerns raised about user-friendliness.” Wilson, who will also serve as the city’s building inspector for major projects at General Electric and Alco, can smooth over problems as those developers begin applying for permits, McCarthy said. McCarthy also wants Wilson to better organize the department to oversee housing repairs. The code enforcers have often found themselves overwhelmed, and City Council members have criticized their lack of follow-through after issuing code violations. Residents have complained that inspectors seem to issue violations to some buildings repeatedly, yet no work is ever done. Paolino worked to improve connections with the law department to take violators to court, but McCarthy said the two departments could work together more smoothly. “I’m still not completely convinced with the interface with the law department,” he said. “I still think there’s some bumps in the road.” And before the law department gets involved, McCarthy said, code enforcers could do a better job of managing their workload. Wilson may have recommendations for them, McCarthy said, including finishing the job of getting the department online. Residents and commercial users should be able to fi ll out permit applications online, have them approved electronically and pay for them without ever coming to City Hall to wait in line, McCarthy said. He envisions a website that explains exactly what projects require a permit and what the city requires for each job. .....................>>>>....................>>>>.................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r01402&AppName=1
Wilson, who worked for the plex (McCarthy had to step down from) and will "also serve as the city's building inspector for major projects at General Electric and ALCO, can SMOOTH OVER PROBLEMS"
Wow, nothing like hiring someone for $10K a month (part time) to make it easier for connected developers at ALCO. Yep, that will sure help homeowners. McCarthy gives new meaning to the term 'tool'
His contract would call for an hourly wage not to exceed $28,000 for three months of part-time work, McCarthy said.
Hey....where can I sign up for a 3 month part time job for $28K!!
Only in schenectady!!!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Instead of firing people Acting McCarthy keeps the DEM working together door spinning. He did such a job overseeing the implosion at Gillen's Gulch. Nice $28,000 lulu on top of his bloated Metrograft salary. Another pol pretending to be a planner. And you wonder why the City is broke-can't pay the County or School District?
Sounds perfect for you BT confrontational, in need of anger management, bitter with an outdated hairdoo. You the one!
Nah.....can't be angry when you areLOL!!!!
And sorry but ya can't do to much with hair when ya ain't got too much to work with!!!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Trying to do the math in my head, wouldn't that be app. $110 an hour
What happened to the city council touring the city over the summer to look at 200 vacant or dilapidated houses?
Right. This inspector will simply 'smooth things over' for ALCO. Over a hundred dollars an hour to push paperwork through? Again, more taxpayer money being used to help connected developers, not improve the neighborhoods.
Logged
Instead of firing people Acting McCarthy keeps the DEM working together door spinning. He did such a job overseeing the implosion at Gillen's Gulch. Nice $28,000 lulu on top of his bloated Metrograft salary. Another pol pretending to be a planner. And you wonder why the City is broke-can't pay the County or School District? 
