Town of Cottage City, MD Chapter 11 Police and Code Enforcement

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Commission of the Town of Cottage City as Ch. 11 of the 2007 Code. Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 11-1 General powers; authorization of Department; establishment of police manual; delegation of authority.

A. General powers of Commission.

(1) The police powers of the Town of Cottage City are vested by Section 18 of the Town Charter in the Commission, which is authorized to provide for the exercise of such powers by ordinance.

(2) Subject to specific delegations of authority herein or hereinafter made, the Commission shall retain all authority necessary to provide an oversee responsibility of the Police Department, shall appoint all police officers and review all actions regarding police personnel.

(3) No Commissioner shall give instructions or orders to an officer or employee of the Police Department, or otherwise interfere with the administration of the Department. However, nothing in this or any other Act shall be construed to abridge the right of the Commission as a body to inquire or investigate as it deems necessary in order to carry out its powers and responsibilities, and to see that the charter and laws of the Town are faithfully executed.

(4) The Town Manager or chief appointed official shall communicate with the Commission and the Chief of Police on all matters regarding the Police Department.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

B. Authorization of Police Department.

(1) There is hereby established and confirmed a Cottage City Police Department to report to the Commission through the Chief of Police, the Town Manager, or person designated by the Commission.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

(2) The Department shall consist of the Office of the Chief of Police and such other employees as the Commission may designate.

C. Establishment of police manual. There is hereby established a police manual to govern the conduct of the police powers and the police force authorized by the Town Charter. Certain sections of the manual shall be issued and codified as ordinances and laws of the Town through action of the Commission. These sections shall prescribe the general policies, organization, general rules of conduct, procedures for appointment, discipline and termination, and certain other matters deemed necessary to assure the effective management and shall consist of permanent operational and administrative orders, procedures, rules and regulations and be issued by the Chief of Police as general orders of the Department. Notwithstanding any delegation of authority, the police manual is subject to review, approval, amendment or modification by the Commission.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

D. Delegation of authority. The Chief of Police is hereby delegated the authority to issue such general orders of the Department, and such additional instruction, orders, rules and regulations, and to take such actions as are hereinafter authorized, directed or implied, which are necessary for the effective and efficient management of the Department, and supervision of the police force.

§ 11-2 Appointment of officers; removal.

A. The Chief of Police shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission, and may be removed from office for any reason by the Commission at any public meeting unless the Commission has agreed otherwise. In the event the Commission enacts or grants to the Chief of Police a term of office rather than requiring him or her to serve at the pleasure of the Commission, such grant or enactment is only effective and binding if four affirmative votes are cast for such an enactment or grant.

[Amended 9-9-2009 by Ord. No. 09-02; 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

B. All other police officers shall be appointed by the Commission from a list of qualified candidates presented by the Chief of Police. To be a qualified candidate, a person:

(1) Must be 21 years of age by the date of appointment;

(2) Must be in the appropriate physical condition necessary to perform required duties;

(3) Must successfully pass a physical examination and drug screen;

(4) Must successfully pass a psychological pre-employment examination;

(5) Must be successfully screened through a background investigation; and

(6) Must have a good criminal and motor vehicle background.

C. Police officers, except the Chief of Police, may be removed from office, by the Chief of Police, subject to the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights, for the following reasons:

(1) Written resignation;

(2) Inefficiency, or failure to meet or maintain the standards expected of an officer following a review of performance, fitness and duty reports of the Department;

(3) Failure to comply with one or more rules, of conduct as here before or after described or authorized; or

(4) Reorganization or reduction in force.

D. All police employees shall have a probation period equal to 18 months of active duty unless otherwise agreed in writing by the chief of the employee, which agreement must be ratified by the Commission. Probationary officers may be dismissed by the Chief of Police with or without cause.

§ 11-3 Line of command.

A. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, the Chief of Police shall maintain a roster of officers by rank and seniority in rank and publish it for knowledge of all officers.

B. All police officers shall promptly obey any order emanating from any superior officer in the line of command. Should any such order conflict with a previous order from any other superior officer, the provisions of this manual, or with any general order, instruction, rule or regulation of the Department, the member of the force to whom such order is given shall respectfully call attention to such conflict of orders, and if the official giving the order does not change the order as to obviate such conflict, the order shall stand and the responsibility shall be his or hers, and the person obeying same will not be held in any way responsible for disobedience of any orders so issued.

C. In emergencies and unless an intergovernmental agreement states otherwise, during absence of the Police Chief from the Town's jurisdiction, or if such officer is unable for any reason to carry out such officer's duties, the highest ranking officer or such person appointed by the Commission may temporarily assume the command responsibility of the Chief of Police.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

§ 11-4 General police policies, objectives, and functions; limits on jurisdiction.

A. The Commission provides within the Town limits of the Town of Cottage City:

(1) All police services normally expected of the county uniformed police division;

(2) More frequent and intensive patrol and faster response to trouble calls than would normally be expected from the county;

(3) Limited investigation and follow-up of crimes committed and other criminal activity in the Town of Cottage City to supplement and complement county investigation programs;

(4) Enforcement of Town ordinances; and

(5) Programs to meet the specific needs of the Town of Cottage City for police services, crime prevention and public safety.

B. The Town of Cottage City Police Department's primary objectives are to assure peace, good order and safety for the public throughout its jurisdiction, and to achieve adherence to Town and county ordinances and state laws. Primary responsibilities include the diligent protection of life and property, public and private, and surveillance of and responsive action with respect to violation of Town and county ordinances and state laws. In addition, the Town of Cottage City police are expected to provide prompt responses to citizen requests for assistance, to the extent that circumstances permit.

C. To the maximum extent practicable and limited only by the resources available at the time, the Town of Cottage City Police Department will handle all requirements within the Town for police patrol, initial response to requests for police assistance, preliminary investigation or crimes reported or suspected, and other responsibilities normally expected of uniformed police officers.

D. Except in cases of Type I crimes (armed robbery, grand larceny, rape and homicide), the Town of Cottage City policy will request county police assistance only to the extent it is needed and feasible. In the case of Type I crimes, the county police will be called immediately, if they are not already aware of the crime. Type I crimes will be turned over to the county police for investigation and follow-up as soon as the Town of Cottage City police initial responsibilities are completed and such action can appropriately be accomplished. It is desirable for the county police to respond to the maximum required by the circumstance at hand in the case of Type I crimes, although the existence of the Town of Cottage City Police will also conduct investigation of such crimes not inconsistent with action being taken by the county.

E. Town of Cottage City police will be trained so as to be fully competent in the execution of county ordinances and state laws wherever they occur. However, it is Town policy that police action will be confined to the Town incorporated limits, except as outlined in the General Order of the Chief of Police. In all such cases, the Town of Cottage City police action will be limited to such action as is authorized under state law to protect life and property, or as is directed by an authorized officer of the jurisdiction involved under police mutual aid agreements.

F. To the extent practicable, the Town of Cottage City Police will rely on friendly persuasion and programs to encourage compliance, rather than on punitive action, as a deterrent to law and ordinance violations. Special emphasis must be made to establish a friendly and cooperative attitude toward all residents under all circumstances. In those instances where these attitudes are not returned, the Town of Cottage City police are charged with maintaining a professional calm, and under no circumstances will the Town of Cottage City Police engage in abusive verbal exchanges.

§ 11-5 Duties and responsibilities of police officers.

A. General duty responsibilities of officers.

(1) Police officers are considered at all times to be on duty, or subject to call for duty by proper authority or, when in the Town limits, by citizens in trouble. The fact that they may be temporarily off duty or on leave does not preclude them from responsibility of taking proper police action in any matter coming to their attention requiring such action.

(2) The Chief of Police shall assign recurring work periods. The Chief of Police may modify such schedules and provide otherwise for special duty for reasons he or she deem necessary for effective and efficient operation of the Department.

(3) The descriptions in this section as outlined below shall be the chain of command within the Police Department. All police officers must obey the orders and directions of any employee of the Police Department with higher rank.

B. Responsibilities of Chief of Police. The Chief of Police is the general executive and administrative officer of the Town of Cottage City Police Department, and shall:

(1) Be able to delegate such authority as he or she deems necessary.

(2) Be fully responsible for its operations, including efficient conduct, control and discipline of the force, subject to the policies, orders, rules and regulations of the Commission. Unless an intergovernmental agreement approved by the Commission states otherwise, when the Chief is on leave of absence, suspension, or the position is vacant, the Commission will name an acting Chief of Police, who will assume the responsibilities of the Chief during such absence or vacancy.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

(3) Issue orders, rules and regulations necessary to administer the Department and not inconsistent with policies, orders, rules and regulations approved by the Commission.

(4) Establish standards of performance and efficiency for all police operations, and take steps to assure that such standards are maintained through periodic personal observation, and reports of performance and efficiency which will be made available to the Town Manager upon request.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

(5) Make decisions on all disciplinary actions involving probationary, full-time and part-time police officers, including terminations, dismissals, demotions, reductions of pay, and all suspensions subject to the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights, and except as otherwise provided by law.

(6) Investigate all complaints relating to Police Department personnel and will determine the steps necessary to provide appropriate disciplinary action. It will be the responsibility of the Chief of Police, acting in accordance with the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights, to determine and administer disciplinary action in all matters relating to Police Department personnel.

(7) Be responsible for the appropriate deployment of available personnel to provide the Town of Cottage City with the most efficient coverage possible, and to ensure the safety of the public, to the extent possible.

(8) Unless an intergovernmental agreement approved by the Commission states otherwise, function as an active member of the Police Department's patrol force, providing patrol coverage when necessary. The Police Chief will perform other duties as assigned.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

(9) Be responsible for the training and refresher training of officers so as to develop and maintain their professional competence. The chief shall provide for specialized training and improvement of probationary officers, and shall report regularly to the police Commissioner on the performance evaluation of each probationary officer.

(10) Be responsible for exacting from all members of the Department strict obedience to the rules of conduct laid down for officers, and for taking prompt action in administering the discipline prescribed for violations of such rules.

(11) Proceed immediately to the scene of any riot, tumultuous assembly, dangerous barricade, police officer in trouble, firearms discharge by a police officer, or other unusual occurrence indicating danger to the community, and take command of the police force.

(12) Unless an intergovernmental agreement approved by the Commission states otherwise, be the custodian of all property coming into the possession of the Department and shall be accountable for the same, including safekeeping, proper disposition and maintenance of appropriate property records. The Chief shall see that all property used for evidence is returned to its lawful owner when no longer needed as evidence.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

(13) Periodically inspect or cause to be inspected all public places within the Town, including public rights-of-way, parks and alleys; the means of entrance and exit to schools and churches; and the quantity, flow and control of traffic for the purpose of assuring public safety. The Chief shall develop programs for and shall, promote public safety throughout the Town, including meeting with public, private, business, school and other community groups and individuals to advance community confidence and support in police and public safety programs.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

(14) Analyze data concerning crime, traffic accidents and other incidents, and otherwise keep abreast of needs and opportunities for new or improved police programs to meet the Town's policies and objectives, and on the basis of such analysis shall recommend to the Commission plans and programs to meet such needs and opportunities.

(15) Be responsible for developing and supervising the execution of safety programs within the Department for the purpose of reducing hazards and accidents to persons and equipment.

(16) Not less than once a month, at irregular and unannounced times, visit all components of the command, inspecting them for the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations and conformity with regulations and orders, initiating corrective action or disciplinary measures where indicated.

(17) Assign personnel and hours of duty to most effectively meet the Town's requirements for police service. The Town Manager shall be kept advised of duty hours and assignments, and consulted where unusual variations and requirements appear necessary.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

(18) Be alert to grievances of personnel within the Department and to complaints concerning the operations of the Department, and shall assure that all grievances and complaints are handled promptly with due regard to the rights of all parties concerned and the Town. Grievances and complaints which cannot be resolved within the Department will be forwarded to the Town Manager for advice and recommendations.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

(19) Be responsible for devising and administering a system of daily, weekly and monthly reports from which a full record of all police activity in the Town can be made available to the Town Manager and the Commission.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

(20) Unless an intergovernmental agreement approved by the Commission states otherwise, perform patrol duty and all other police duties as are necessary to maintain close familiarity with the Town, its residents and regular visitors and their activities, and to supplement the regular patrol, particularly at times of special need or emergency, or in the absence of other officers or as directed by the Commission.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

C. Police Lieutenant.

(1) The Police Lieutenant is superior in the line of command to every other rank or employee in the Police Department except for the Chief of Police. He or she will be responsible for performing any or all of those duties assignable to the Chief of Police in the absence of the Chief of Police or at the specific direction of the Chief of Police. The Police Lieutenant will provide assistance to the Chief of Police in the areas of supervision and evaluation of Police Department personnel and will make recommendations to the Chief of Police for the improvement of police operations. In addition the Police Lieutenant will be responsible for maintaining the police records section and will ensure that all records, reports, correspondence and memoranda are properly maintained in a complete and orderly fashion.

(2) The Police Lieutenant will provide full service police patrol coverage and will perform all those duties normally ascribed to the patrol division. The Police Lieutenant will perform other duties as assigned by the Chief.

D. Police Sergeant.

(1) The Police Sergeant is superior in the line of command to every other rank or employee in the Police Department except for the Chief of Police and a Lieutenant. He or she will act as the first line patrol supervisor and will be responsible for direct supervision of all subordinate personnel in the patrol division. The Sergeant will be responsible for the maintenance of the police property system and will insure that all evidence, recovered property and departmental property is properly logged, secured and documented.

(2) In addition, the Police Sergeant will develop and implement the department vehicle maintenance program, and will direct subordinate officers in proper vehicle maintenance procedures. The Police Sergeant shall, when directed, assume any of those duties ascribed to the Police Lieutenant.

(3) The Police Sergeant will be responsible for providing full service patrol coverage and will perform all those duties normally ascribed to the patrol division. The Police Sergeant will perform other duties as assigned by the chief and the lieutenant.

E. Police Corporal. The Police Corporal will assist the Sergeant in the performance of his supervisor duties and may, in the absence of the Sergeant, perform the duties of first line or shift supervisor. The Corporal will be expected to perform all of those duties ascribed to the position of patrol officer and will perform other duties as assigned by his or her superior officers, namely the Chief, the Lieutenant and the Sergeant.

F. Police Officer First Class. The Police Officer First Class will perform those duties ascribed to the position of patrol officer and may, as directed, assist the Corporal and Sergeant in the performance of their supervisory duties. The Police Officer First Class will perform other duties as assigned by his or her superior officers, namely the Chief, the Lieutenant, the Sergeant and the Corporal.

G. Patrol officer.

(1) Police officers are required to enforce laws, provide service to the community and instill public trust and confidence by virtue of their position and oath of office. Often police officers are exposed to incidents or situations where certain temptations arise which could lead to corruption and/or unlawful monetary gain. It is a business necessity that officers exhibit a history of and possess characteristics of honesty, reliability and integrity in order to establish and maintain public confidence.

(2) Patrol officers are expected to:

(a) Respond immediately to calls for service using in order to obtain or provide necessary information, enforce the law, provide timely assistance, and make referral to other Town, city, county and state agencies as necessary.

(b) Patrol assigned area by vehicle and where appropriate on foot, to deter crime, apprehend violators, and provide assistance to other officers, to include physically checking doors and windows of buildings and businesses in their patrol area, and providing residential security checks as needed.

(c) Observe and respond to violations of traffic law by taking immediate action in order to maintain public safety.

(d) Enforce state, county and Town laws and ordinances in an impartial manner by warning when appropriate or arresting offenders in order to promote public safety.

(e) Prepare and complete notes, reports, daily activity logs and documents using proper grammar, all available information and equipment in order to provide an accurate and complete description of the reported incident.

(f) Testify in court and other proceedings in a clear, concise, and professional manner in order to provide information on the issues under consideration.

(g) Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations of crimes and accidents reported or observed by using resources immediately available in order to assist with or close the investigation in a short period of time.

(h) Process prisoners by properly fingerprinting, photographing, checking records, and accurately preparing all charging documents and reports in order to positively identify a prisoner prior to release or incarceration.

(i) Administer appropriate first aid using first responder techniques in order to stabilize the victim's condition until qualified medical treatment can be obtained.

(j) Conduct interviews and interrogations in order to obtain information needed for investigations and arrests.

(k) Secure and manage crime scenes by limiting access in order to preserve evidence from contamination until it can be properly collected.

(l) Present a professional appearance and maintain assigned equipment by exercising personal hygiene, wearing a neat and clean uniform and caring for equipment as a means of fostering community respect and assuring proper operation of equipment.

(m) Communicate effectively and coherently over a two-way radio to give and receive information and broadcast lookouts in order to carry out police functions.

(n) Effect arrests through command presence, verbal direction, and if necessary by using minimal force to include a graduated use of pressure points, control holds, impact weapons, chemical weapons, and handcuffs to control suspects and restrain them for transport in order to enforce laws and protect the public.

(o) Exercise effective independent judgment in determining when there is a reasonable suspicion to detain; probable cause to arrest and search, or seize; and the appropriate level of force that may be used in order to enforce laws and protect individuals' rights.

(p) Operate a police vehicle both day and night during emergency and nonemergency situations in order to safely arrive at the scene of incidents and to prevent injury to pedestrians or damage to other vehicles and property.

(q) Assemble necessary reports from appropriate sources in order to provide the State's Attorney's office with necessary information.

(r) Pursue fleeing suspects as necessary to effect an arrest or assist other persons.

(s) Load, unload, aim and fire departmental firearms from a variety of positions, in normal light, low light and darkness, in clear and inclement weather; in training situations and as needed for self-protection and protection of others, and as required to meet training standards.

(t) Safely perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and outdoor areas for evidence, weapons and other objects that may be a danger to the officer or others.

(u) Communicate effectively and coherently with people by giving and receiving information in order to provide needed assistance.

(v) Identify and collect evidence at the scene of traffic or criminal incidents by visually inspecting and physically searching the crime or accident scene in order to obtain items of information that may assist in the investigation and/or prosecution.

(w) Maintain a professional demeanor especially when enduring verbal and mental abuse while encountering antagonistic persons in a hostile environment.

(x) Perform rescue functions at accidents and disasters as needed for public safety and protection.

(y) Read and comprehend a variety of legal and nonlegal documents, maps, and reference material to properly enforce the law, assist others, and to comply with departmental rules, regulations and orders.

(z) Direct traffic to ensure the free flow of traffic, prevent accidents and deny access to dangerous situations.

(aa) Perform related work as required by any superior officer.

§ 11-6 Evaluation of personnel.

A. Personnel in the Police Department will be evaluated at least semiannually on the basis of their performance in those areas designated in their position descriptions. Each member of the Department will receive an evaluation from their immediate supervisor acting as the rater with the Chief of Police acting as the evaluator. Personnel will have an opportunity to discuss their evaluations and make written comments that will be attached to the evaluation and placed in the employee's permanent personnel file.

B. Evaluations will be utilized in part in determining promotions and overall officer performance levels. Officers receiving poor performance evaluations will be afforded counseling from their supervisor and will ordinarily have an opportunity to improve in those areas where they were found to be deficient.

§ 11-7 Mutual aid and reciprocal enforcement agreements; intergovernmental agreements.

[Amended 1-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-01]

A. Authority. The Town shall have the authority to enter into intergovernmental, and/or mutual aid and reciprocal enforcement agreements with other police agencies in and outside of the State of Maryland. Such agreements shall enable Town police officers to enforce state law and the laws of such other jurisdiction(s) within the territory of such other jurisdiction(s) with the protections/immunities granted by law to police officers of the other jurisdictions and/or to allow the police officers of such other jurisdiction(s) to enforce the Town's Code and laws within the Town. Furthermore, the Town may enter into intergovernmental agreements with other municipalities to provide or receive police executive services provided that any appointment as Chief of Police is adopted by ordinance.

B. Procedures. All such agreements shall be approved by the Commissioners by motion or resolution after consultation with the Town Police Department and the Town Attorney.

C. Required terms. Every agreement pursuant to this section shall provide the following:

(1) Each party to the agreement must waive any and all claims it may have against the other parties to the agreement and that may arise out of activities outside its respective jurisdiction; and

(2) Each party shall indemnify and hold harmless the other parties to the agreement from all claims that are made by third parties for property damage or personal injury and that may arise out of the activities of the other parties to the agreement outside their respective jurisdictions under the agreement.

D. Existing agreements. Any mutual aid and/or reciprocal enforcement agreement entered into by the Town Administrator or the Chief of Police on or prior to April 13, 2005, still in effect shall be and hereby is declared to be valid provided it conforms to Subsection C immediately above.

E. This chapter is not intended to give police officers any additional powers outside the Town, except pursuant to agreements approved by the Commission pursuant to this section.

§ 11-8 Designation and duties of Code Enforcement Officer.

[Added 7-11-2018 by Emergency Ord. No. 2018-07]

There is created and established the Office of Code Enforcement Officer. The appointment of a Code Enforcement Officer shall be approved by ordinance or written resolution. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be supervised by the Chief of Police and shall be responsible to the Town Manager. A Code Enforcement Officer shall be recommended for appointment by the Town Manager to the Commission and shall have the following powers, authorizations, duties, qualifications and functions:

A. Subject to the requirements of the Cottage City Commission, the Code Enforcement Officer, shall, in addition to such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by the Chief of Police, enforce such laws and ordinances relating to property, buildings and structures as may be specifically provided.

B. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be technically informed 1) on the quality and strength of building materials; 2) on the prevailing methods of building and construction; 3) on the latest practices in fire prevention; 4) on the accepted requirement for safe facilities; and 5) on the proper equipment in buildings, and other installations for the safety, comfort and convenience of the occupants and the public. He or she shall not have any interest whatever, directly or indirectly in the sale or manufacture of any material, process or device entering into or used in or in connection with property maintenance, building or construction within the Town.

C. The Code Enforcement Officer and/or a designated police officer may be authorized by the Cottage City Commission to enforce the Town's ordinances and may deliver a municipal infraction citation, criminal misdemeanor violation summons, charging document or criminal citation to any person alleged to be committing or to have committed a municipal infraction or other violation.

D. The Code Enforcement Officer shall examine premises for which permits have been or will be issued and shall make necessary inspections to see that the provisions of applicable laws or ordinances are complied with and that maintenance or construction is prosecuted safely. He or she shall, when requested by the Town Manager or when the interests of the Town so require, make investigations in connection with matters referred to within Town ordinances and render written reports on the same. For the purpose of enforcing compliance with law, to remove illegal, nuisance or unsafe conditions, to secure the necessary safeguards, or to require adequate facilities in existing building or improved properties, he or she shall issue notices or orders as may be necessary.

E. Unless posted or informed otherwise (i.e., no trespassing), the Code Enforcement or Police Officer shall have the right, upon proper identification, to enter upon private property so far as is necessary for the performance of duties. The Code Enforcement Officer's right of entry upon residential property shall be limited to entry for the purposes of directly approaching the front door and seeking consent from the owner or occupant to conduct an inspection or as otherwise permitted by law including 4th Amendment Constitutional Jurisprudence.

F. The Town Manager is hereby authorized and empowered to establish additional duties for any assigned Code Enforcement Officer provided that said officer shall not be vested with police powers of arrest. Code Enforcement Officers are not authorized to carry firearms, and they shall not carry firearms while on duty. Said officers shall be assigned such duties as are civilian and administrative in nature that the Town Manager, from time to time, may direct, that are not inconsistent with the limitations set forth in this Code of Ordinances, or state law and, in addition, the Code Enforcement Officer shall be vested with the authority to issue parking citations, criminal citations and citations for municipal infractions as expressly provided for in each applicable article or section of the Town's Code of Ordinances or other ordinances.

G. The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep careful and comprehensive records of applications, of permits issued, of certificates issued, of inspections made, of reports rendered, and of notices, citations or orders issued.

H. In the absence or disability of the Code Enforcement Officer, the Town Manager may recommend to the Cottage City Commission a police officer or other qualified person to discharge the duties of the Code Enforcement Officer.