Independence firefighter Mark McCleary has assumed the role of code enforcement officer for the City of Independence.
McCleary will support the city’s efforts to maintain safe neighborhoods, eliminate blight and enhance beautification, as outlined in the city’s recently adopted community based strategic plan. His duties will include evaluating commercial and residential properties throughout the community to identify safety and environmental code violations and assist property owners in properly addressing issues.
Most recently employed with the Fire/EMS department, McCleary has more than 10 years of experience working in law enforcement, including serving as a police officer and as a dispatcher/clerk for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
“I enjoy being out and meeting people and helping where I can,” McCleary said. “I look forward to working with the citizens of Independence to improve quality of living.”
McCleary will build upon the work initiated by recently appointed code enforcement officer Tailor Dyke, who resigned her position in late March.
In conjunction with McCleary’s role, the city recently launched a beatification effort providing free dumpster access to residents throughout the community each weekend for disposal of larger waste. As McCleary orients to his new position, the city has decided to extend the dumpster access program through the month of May.
David Cowan, the city’s director of Safety and Code Enforcement, explained the dumpster access program is designed as an enforcement “grace period,” during which, McCleary will issue “courtesy notices” for violations he discovers, in hopes property owners will take initiative to correct any problems before punitive action becomes necessary.
The dumpster placement schedule is as follows:
April 5 and 19; May 3, 17 and 31
• 13th & Walnut
• Burns & Walnut
• Park Blvd & Sycamore
• 900 W. Laurel / parking lot
• 11th & Catalpa
• 21st & Taylor
April 12 and 26; May 10 and 17
• Penn & Poplar
• 19th & Poplar
• 6th & Myrtle / parking lot
• 900 W. Laurel / parking lot
• 5th & Oak St.
• 13th & Catalpa
In addition to the free dumpster access, the city has expanded its weekly recycling collection at the Sanitation Yard, 21st & Maple, to also accept large waste items, such as appliances, tires, larger furniture, etc. Collection time will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Tuesday.
Questions or concerns about city codes may be addressed to McCleary at markc@independenceks.gov, (620) 577-7117 or (620) 714-1758.