New Secretary Post to Free Up Code Officer

Hoping to free Moorpark’s only code enforcement officer from paperwork that keeps him from investigating possible violations, the City Council has agreed to fund a secretarial position.

The council also voted Wednesday to create new code enforcement procedures that will be in effect until the city completes a study of ways to improve the program.

Council members agreed to set aside $16,425 for a secretary who will perform some of the paperwork now handled by the city’s sole code enforcement officer, Mario Riley. The move should give the officer more time in the field to investigate reports of poorly maintained yards and overcrowded houses, council members said.

The council also gave Riley the authority to issue citations to property owners who have failed to correct problems after three inspections. Under Moorpark’s former inspection system, City Manager Steve Kueny had to approve all citations.