Search For A Code Officer Begins in Delhi - Pool Movie Night Success, Next Showing Set For September

DELHI - With Delhi Code Enforcement Officer Dale Downin's impending retirement, the town is now beginning the search for a replacement. Hiring goals were discussed at a recent town board meeting on Aug. 11.

The board reviewed a template job description from County Personnel Officer Carrara Knoetgen, which outlines the state's requirements for the position. Supervisor Maya Boukai noted that the town has some additional duties that will be included before the advertisement is released.

The council is expected to approve the job description at the September meeting and advertise shortly after. Applications should be accepted through the end of the month for the board to review applicants at the October meeting, said Boukai. If an applicant is hired at the Oct. meeting, they could start shadowing Downin in November, she explained, which would be preferred. Downin is set to retire at the end of January.

"That all depends on if the person is certified," said Councilmember Josh Morgan, who works as a code officer for neighboring towns. The state will cover the cost of the training process, and Morgan volunteered to assist potential candidates in setting up the courses. However, he explained that training takes about one year.

Councilmember Margaret Baldwin noted that there are not many certified code officers available.

Boukai noted that interested parties have reached out, and publishing the job listing will formalize the process for reviewing certifications.

The Pool

Councilmember Matt Krzyston announced a successful movie night despite cold conditions. Although it had been a hot summer, temperatures dropped to the 50s on Friday, August 1. Krzyston and other organizers thought the movie night at the pool would be a bust. To their surprise, nearly 50 people attended, he reported. The kids were saying things like, "This was the greatest thing ever," said Krzyston.

The movie night was made possible with a grant from The Community Foundation. The Rotary Club gave away free snacks, including popcorn and candy. "For a minimal investment, which was paid for by grants, it was a pretty cool thing," Krzyston concluded.

The next movie night is scheduled for the end of September. Check for finalized date and time on The Delhi Pool - West Branch Recreation and Aquatics Center Facebook page.

Boukai again noted that the pool could be monetized, as it has been heavily used this summer. She asked the council to consider creating a pay scale for next summer, which would offer free admission to Delhi residents. This week, the pool has been at capacity, with mainly non-residents using it, she reported.

In other business

The Whiteman Osterman & Hanna law firm was hired to handle three assessed value lawsuits on behalf of the town. Two of the lawsuits are associated with commercial properties, while the other is related to a residential property. The county is available to assist in offsetting costs related to commercial assessment disputes that exceed $500,000 and request an over 10% reduction.

The board entered into a free cybersecurity contract through the Association of Towns. The current cybersecurity firm reviewed the program and encouraged the town to join. Council members are still unsure whether the program is an additional layer of security or if other paid services could be reduced.

Assessor Joseph Gifford was reappointed for a six-year term beginning Sept. 1.

The town entered into a $594,000 lease-to-buy agreement for two highway department trucks. The lease will be paid out over five years at an annual cost of $136,334.68. Trucks include a 10 Wheel Western Star and a Freightliner AWD with a repurposed box.

Councilmember Christina Viafore and Clerk Elsa Schmitz are exploring transitioning the town pool's Facebook page to a town-wide one.

The next town board meeting is scheduled Monday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m.