Hamlin appoints code enforcement official

The job title that Bernard J. Maier will carry in the Town of Hamlin is likely one of the longest of any employee in the town - Building inspector/SEQR officer/code enforcement officer/fire marshal. But Maier said he is up to the tasks and Town Supervisor Dennis Roach agrees.

"B.J. is more than qualified and is very dedicated to the town," Roach said.

Maier was appointed to the position at the June 12 board meeting with his hire date being retroactive to June 2.

Prior to Maier's appointment, the positions were filled by part time workers who covered the roles. Roach said the town board felt it would be better to have a full time person covering the position because it would give more coverage to the community and more attention could be devoted to code enforcement.

Maier has been a resident of the town for 44 years, has served with the Walker Fire Department for 25 years as a fire fighter and has also served two terms as chief. He has been the town's part time fire marshal since 2002. "I had to take a series of code classes for the fire marshal position but continued on and took all the required courses in case the building inspector needed help," he said.

Maier has also served as the assistant dog warden, filling in when he was needed. "My father was the town supervisor years ago and I think seeing him in that role gave me a passion for the town that I have had ever since."

The biggest skill he feels he brings to the position is customer service. "My family used to own a business and I learned a lot about customer service from them," he said. "I've been preaching right along that we need to be customer friendly. I want to help people who need to get a permit - it's a big task - but one that we can hopefully work on together and get squared away."

In a one-man department in a town the size of Hamlin, door-to-door inspections may not occur, but Maier said he does want to get into the apartments and make sure they are up to code and that they have smoke detectors and CO2 units.

One of the first things on Maier's agenda will be to begin helping residents build pride in the town by taking pride in their properties. "I'll be looking into property maintenance codes, abandoned cars and high grass issues," he said.

When he is not out with contractors looking at the progress of building projects, he will be traveling around doing visual inspections of areas. "If I see a high grass issue, I will make sure the whole street is in compliance," he said. "If I see a house that is out of compliance, let's say with an unmowed lawn, then I will stop and talk to the owners. It could be a matter of their mower being broken. I would give them time to address the situation then check back. They have to understand the property maintenance codes but the last thing I want to do is write a violation. I'm hoping we can work together to get properties into compliance."

June 18, 2006