The City of Seminole has shifted some code enforcement duties from city hall to the police department.

During the Oct. 14 Seminole City Council meeting, City Manager Steve Saxon made a presentation on the change and a vision for the future of the department.

“Last month we had quite a discussion regarding code enforcement. I told you then that we would bring you solutions, and I believe we have,” Saxon told the council.

“We’ve got a department that has construction inspection duties and they also have code enforcement duties. What we decided to do is, we’re going to move code enforcement to the police department. The police department will now handle writing the tickets,” Saxon said.

Saxon added that the city is in the process of hiring a Civilian Code Enforcement Officer to handle the issuance of violations in cases of tall weeds and grass, dilapidated structures, and junk and debris on properties. Construction inspection duties will be handled through the Community Development Department.

In his presentation, Saxon cast a broader vision for the council to consider: the establishment of a “Seminole Pride” program under the Street Department. Under that program, which comes at an estimated cost of over $350,000 annually, curbside pickup and junk removal would be offered to residents. Crews would be authorized to abate tall weeds and grass under court orders to enter private property.

No action was taken by the council on Saxon’s proposal, but it could appear on a future meeting agenda.

“We did not expect a decision tonight, but you guys let me know when you want it back on the agenda,” Saxon said.

The council typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Goldie Barnett Conference Room of the Seminole Public Library. All meetings are open to the public.