By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — The Town of Naples is adding a person to the code enforcement department. Rather, a familiar face is taking on a new title.

Administrative Assistant Kate Matthews has been appointed as the new assistant code enforcement officer and the personal property tax assessor. 

The Naples Board of Selectmen voted, 5-0, to support that change in town staff. 

“For the public’s standpoint, the whole goal is we have received complaints that we are overwhelmed in this department. Phone calls aren’t being returned. E-mails aren’t being returned,” Chairman Jim Grattelo said.

This is the case with other code enforcement departments in towns. There is more work than one person can handle. The staff increase would allow the department to be prepared for summer when things get even busier, Grattelo said.

Naples Town Manager John Hawley said has well as better serving the public it is also an improvement for employees.

“This helps us with our succession planning. Renee won’t be around forever. This gives Kate an opportunity to move up in the position with the town,” Hawley said. 

The town manager was referring to the current Code Enforcement Officer Renee Carter.

Someone in the audience asked about the funding for the job.

“It was  a new position that the [board of selectmen] created, but it is funded in the current budget,” Hawley said. 

During the brief discussion,  selectman Jim Turpin asked what classes Matthews would need to take to be qualified or certified. 

Matthews has taken a property tax course already; and the state-required code enforcement courses are completed on-line, Hawley said. 

Also, on Monday, the board voted to appoint Paula Miller as the Freedom of Access Officer.

“Paula our part-time clerk is taking over the duties that Kate had. It is not a new position,” Hawley said.