Dena Henning Will Assist Brian Bunke and Shawano PD
The city of Shawano recently approved the hire of a part-time housing code inspector. The newly created position will assist City Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator Brian Bunke with keeping an eye out for neighborhood upkeep.
She will be responsible for things like junk, garbage, houses that are not being kept up with and, long grass,” said Bunke. “This was designed to help assist the police department in those matters.”
Those duties currently fall on the police department and its community service officers, but Interim Police Chief Dan Mauel says that the new position will be a welcome addition.
“We’re very happy that Brian is getting an extra part-time employee to assist us with that, and we’re going to be able to divvy up some of the work, but it’s going to be an extra pair of eyes and hands out there to do some of the work” Maule said.
The position will find properties that may have code issues and then will include making contact with the home owner by starting a dialogue, and determining ways it can be cleaned up. For property owners that believe their neighbors aren’t up to code, Bunke says don’t hesitate to call.
“There’s no way to fix anything unless we see it because we don’t get down every alleyway or backyard. Obviously, neighbors have a better view of other neighbors’ yards, so don’t be afraid. We handle it with kid gloves and make sure people understand up front we just want it nice and clean” Bunke said.
Henning will start the new position on Wednesday.