Wright City officials are considering hiring a part-time code inspector to speed up enforcement of violations around town. During a closed session last Thursday, May 13, aldermen voted to begin advertising and accepting applications for the position of property maintenance code inspector. Currently, Public Works Director Larry Janish handles code violations, a duty he added when full-time code enforcement officer Ron Mershon was fired July 2008. With the city about to begin the third phase of a water line replacement project in the Kerland subdivision and other upcoming summer work, city officials felt it was time to consider adding staff to help Janish and quicken the enforcement process. "He (Janish) has plenty of work on his plate," Alderman Jim Schuchmann said. He noted that funds for the new position were being made possible by a spurt in new home permits that have substantially exceeded budget projections. "In past years, the budget has been tight," Schuchmann said. "Now there are dollars we can use toward this." The board's action came one meeting after planning and zoning member Tony Girondo suggested the city look into hiring a code enforcement officer to help step up enforcement. Schuchmann Elected Board President Ward 1 Alderman Jim Schuchmann, who previously served as board president in 2008, was elected to fill the position again following board approval last Thursday. In April, Schuchmann was re-elected to his third consecutive term. He was nominated by Ward 2 Alderman Angie Reynolds. He replaces Ward 2 Alderman Jamey Abercrombie, who served as president for the past year. Schuchmann also was elected as the board's representative to the city's planning and zoning commission. City Attorney Contract to Not Be Renewed The expiring contract of city attorney Leslie Broadnax will not be renewed at the end of the month, following a 4-0 vote by aldermen in closed session. Her contract ends May 1. Broadnax, who recently got married, has been on maternity leave and has not attended the past six aldermanic meetings. The last meeting she attended was on Feb. 11. According to city officials, she told them she was considering not returning. In the meantime, the city is accepting applications for the position through June 1. Broadnax's absence has forced the board to delay action on multiple city matters. She replaced Warrenton attorney Darryl Hicks, who was let go when aldermen voted to terminate his contract on June 1. He had worked for the city for around 25 years. In Other Action *The board unanimously approved the recommendations made by Mayor Dave Heiliger to appoint five residents to the board of adjustment. Roland Niemann was appointed to a five-year term, while Bill Schaffer will serve for four years. Frank Ellis, Scott Miller and Dave Walter will each serve three-, two- and one-year terms. *The board voted 4-0 in closed session to increase the hourly pay of court clerk Laura Brown to $13 from $12. She has been with the city since November.