Fewer piles of junk and junky cars are dotting the landscape in Springfield Township since a new ordinance officer arrived in April to begin cleaning house.
Greg Kazmeirski, who works 10-12 hours per week identifying and addressing ordinance violations, was hired when the township board acknowledged an ongoing problem.
‘He’s doing a very thorough and methodical job,? said Supervisor Collin Walls at a July township board meeting, noting Kazmeirski’s simple yet comprehensive reports make it easy to track progress.
Others agreed, and said progress on long-standing issues could be seen in the community, as well.
‘Greg’s done a fabulous job,? said Treasurer Jamie Dubre. ‘You can tell the difference; you know where he’s been without a doubt. People are taking action.?
The township’s previous ordinance officer was laid off in May 2007, when budget issues forced cutbacks in staffing.
Walls said he and now-former township employee Leon Genre were ‘attempting, although without very good results, to handle ordinance enforcement.?
After nearly a year of sporatic and often unsuccessful ordinance enforcement by township officials with a growing list of duties, the board agreed to hire a part-time officer.
Kazmeirski inherited several unresolved issues when he took over the job, some dating back several months.
But, Walls noted in a pre-meeting memo to the board, Kazmeirski’s method of communicating with violators through the mail when necessary works more effectively than the previous method of waiting until personal contact could be made.
In fact, Walls explained, within the first few weeks of employment, Kazmeirski resolved an issue of illegal home occupation plaguing the township for more than a year prior.
Walls noted the township had been fortunate during recent years to work with ordinance officers whose attitude and personality resulted in compliance with minimal aggravation to the officer, township officials and property owners alike. What sets Kazmeirski apart, he said, is his organized and methodical system of dealing with complaints and violations.
Reports now show history of each incident and status in abbreviated but informative manner.
Walls said he was also pleased Kazmeirski doesn’t just wait for complaints to come in, but also checks for non-compliance and acts on his own observations while driving around the township.
When Kazmeirski does encounter a violation, he uses a multi-step process to initiate contact and resolve the issue in a manner, said township officials, designed to work toward clean up of property and compliance of ordinances rather than collection of fines or court order.
‘The steps are being followed,? said Trustee Roger Lamont. ‘He’s doing a good job enforcing the ordinance, and whatever the violation is, it’s usually cleaned up before he gets to the last steps.?
Clerk Nancy Strole said Kazmeirski’s approach had a lot to do with his success.
‘He’s doing a great job,? she said. ‘He’s professional and pleasant and efficient.?
Kazmeirski was not immediately available for comment.
For more information, call the Springfield Township offices at 248-634-3111 or visit www.springfield-twp.us