NORWICH – The City of Norwich Common Council decided Tuesday night to approve the job description for a position in the codes department, and increase the average hours worked from 19 to 36 hours a week.

Last week, Police and Fire Chief Joseph Angelino told the Finance and Personnel Committee that the codes department was understaffed. Part-time Code Enforcement Officer Joseph Coe resigned from his position, leaving only Jason Lawrence to take care of the department.

Lawrence, who has seen an increase in his work load in the last several months with the passing of the rental registration, the garbage ordinance and the New York State Uniform Building and Fire Code, has served as the code enforcement officer since September of 2005. Angelino told the finance committee that Lawrence is a valuable asset to the city.

Tuesday, the city approved the proposed job description for an ordinance inspection officer and agreed to increase the position’s average weekly hours from 19 to 36. 

The council also heard public comment and entertained discussion about issues brought up by Norwich resident Mary Coe.

During open forum, Coe, a resident of Waite Street, expressed concern over the intersection of Waite Street and Lee Avenue. With increased traffic running through the area since the Label Gallery moved to the Lee Ave. location, Coe said the intersection of Waite and Lee Ave. is becoming a traffic concern.