WILTON – One of the items planners want to address in the upcoming fiscal year is the possibility of increasing the number of hours Code Enforcement Officer Brenda Medcoff works. They decided Friday more work was needed to address a variety of violations.

The same issue arose when the former code enforcement officer, David Giroux, worked for the town. Officials decided against the addition of hours for Giroux.

At that time, former Town Manager Richard Davis said Giroux’s hours varied from as much as 30 hours per week in the summer to as little 10 in the winter. Davis said he felt it was not the limited number of hours, but rather the priorities of the code enforcement officer that prevented him from following up on violations in the town. Davis said the “right person” could do the job within the allocated hours. He also said at the time that the town could not afford an increase in pay for anyone.

But planners Thursday discussed several building violations Medcoff has not had time to address. She currently works 20 hours per week, the same average amount of time Giroux worked.

“The violations are increasing, and I can’t keep up with them with 20 hours a week,” Medcoff said.

If planners decide to pursue an increase in hours for Medcoff, they will need to bring the issue before new Town Manager Peter Nielsen and the town’s selectmen. If officials agree, voters will have the final say.

Planners said they will also research, in the upcoming year, possible ordinance changes to requirements for setback from the water in the downtown area. They also plan to research the impact of the town’s zoning ordinance on the newly enacted subdivision ordinance and whether some wording in the subdivision ordinance can be changed so planners do not have to use both ordinances when dealing with subdivisions.

Planners approved a permit for Charles Hillaman to sell his inventory at “Cheap Charlie’s” on Route 2. Hillaman is liquidating and permanently closing his business.

Cheap Charlie’s has been closed for more than two years. Since he has been closed for more than one year he is required to come before the board for a permit. He plans to continue selling items through the end of the year.

Hillaman received a building permit from the town in 1992. Officials, however, could find no use permit for the business. Some planners questioned whether use permits were given by the town at that time or whether the permit was lost.

New Planning Board Alternate Sheryl Mosher attended her first meeting. Mosher served on the board several years ago, but left for family and work obligations. During her absence she took courses in planning, public policy, economics, and regional development. She has lived in Wilton since 1975.

Planners will elect board officers at their next meeting.

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