Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer Matt Papac
We are very pleased to announce that Matt Papac a long time resident of Ocean Shores has been hired by the Ocean Shores Police Department. Matt will be a great addition as the second full time Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer. This will give the community coverage of Code Enforcement that will operate 7 days a week.
The City of Ocean Shores was in need of an additional professional in this capacity. This position is a crucial piece for the continuing growth of our community.
The workload that the Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer is extensive and in short the following are some of the tasks that are of the up most importance.
As an Animal Control Officers, they are responsible for
Picking up dogs at large and transporting them to the kennel
Providing for the safe housing and care of those animals
Trying to reunite the animal with its owner, when possible
Working with PAWS to find homes for animals that cannot be reunited with their family, after the time set forth by the Ocean Shores Municipal Code
Handling/investigating dog bite calls for service.
Working with owners of dangerous dogs to ensure they are following and continue to follow the mandates set forth by the Ocean Shores Municipal Code
Humanely destroying deer that are suffering from injuries
Working with and organizing the volunteers who care for the animals housed in the kennel building
Ensures the supplies (food) is maintained at the kennel
Respond to all calls regarding animals (domestic and wildlife)
Investigates complaints of feeding deer and other wild animals
Working with Washington State Fish and Game Department regarding wildlife calls (poaching and relocation of bears or cougars
As the Code Enforcement Officers, they are responsible for
Investigating and enforcing Camping Violations: i.e. illegal tent camping, number of trailer/motorhomes on lot, ensuring permits are posted, ensuring there is not a camping vehicle on the lot for more than the time allotted for the year; (includes camping violations on the beach and in the dunes)
Investigating and enforcing Code Violations on properties (not buildings): i.e. junked vehicles/trailers/motorhomes, number of allotted vehicles on one property, camping on a developed property with a house/structure, garbage on property, and overall condition of property
Investigating illegally posted signs around town
Checking on businesses to ensure they have a current business license
Investigating nightly rentals in unauthorized zones
Ensuring businesses are operating in the proper zones throughout the City
Investigating properties weather they be camping and residential it is time consuming, due to difficulties identifying the owners and finding current contact information for the property owner and completing clear correspondence with those who live out of town.
These investigations can take weeks before communication is established and a resolution is found, or a citation is issued.
If a citation is issued, then there is continuous follow-up required by the court prior to each court date to inform the court of the progress of the property. The court can continue to push a case from month to month, and sometimes for years.
They must always document (write a report) on everything they do with a call for service. Whether it is the initial call or follow-up to a call
To look at the lists, it appears that the majority of their time may be spent as an Animal Control Officer, but in reality the investigations required to do the Code Enforcement Officer side of it is extremely time consuming and takes up at least 90% of their time if not more.
The hope is that with a second full-time Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer it will alleviate calls from the Patrol Officers while also allowing more proactive investigations.