Code officer

aims to break the 'mold'

Louisville Code Enforcement Officer Jody Fulton has been with the City of Louisville for 15 years, and has seen many changes within his job description and with the jobs the city must do.

Fulton who started in the city parks and recreation department took over the animal control responsibilities of the city 5 years ago, and 7 years ago took over care of the cemetery. Fulton noted that all of these roles are much different in contrast with his new role of code enforcement officer.

"With Parks and Recreations I can go to an area, mow the grass, paint a building or a fence and get it done.I could see the results that day," said Fulton. "But with code enforcement it is a lot more patience. There is paperwork that needs to be filled out, a lot of waiting, and more waiting."

Fulton takes much pride in his duties as code enforcement officer. He added that the office is working to improve and update the system to make everything easier, faster, and better. When he and Mayor Will Hill were able to view the codes and ordinances and the ways they were enforced in Starkville, they liked what they saw.

"Their Codes of Enforcement are very impressive, and very aggressive," said Fulton. "They allow no signs on light poles about yard sales, missing dogs, nothing. And to put a banner up you must have a permit."

Fulton added that it would be a while before Louisville became that aggressive with the ordinances, but that the department is aiming to get things "cleaned up" around town. Fulton explained a "clean" city puts out a welcome sign to industries, travelers and visitors.

"When people visit our town we want them to be proud with what they see. We need to clean up the junk yards that reside in people's front yards, keep the grass clean and cut, keep the buildings and grounds neat, and much more," said Fulton.

Fulton and the department are working to achieve all this, but one of their biggest problems is residential areas. Fulton noted that many people own land in Louisville, but live elsewhere, and only have the land because of inheritance. The department has trouble in locating the people that own the land, and it is hard for them to get the land cleaned up because of that, added Fulton.

Fulton said that once the department gains enough funding to update their system, then things will get much easier to address. He added that soon people will start seeing changes for the better in Louisville.

Fulton spoke to the Louisville Rotary Club on July 14. The Rotary Club meets each Wednesday in Lake Tiak O'Khata at noon. Persons interested in club may visit the meeting.