Brookhaven officials are working on a plan that would make citycode enforcement a more serious issue when it comes to problemlots.

In recent weeks, a committee of aldermen has put their headstogether on the possibility of an environmental court that wouldexpedite cases dealing with complaints and code enforcement forviolations regarding abandoned vehicles and homes. The court wouldhelp with overgrown lots, junkyards, abandoned houses and, in somecases, animal control issues.

Ward Six Alderman David Phillips’ suggestion some time ago thataldermen form a committee to visit a similar court in Hattiesburgrecently became a reality when he, City Attorney Joe Fernald, WardOne Alderman Dorsey Cameron and Ward Five Alderman D.W. Maxwellvisited the court to size up the situation.

“What we were really concerned about was the court procedure,trying to get organized and get a code enforcer, and that was forus to see what we’re doing and whether we would have a separatecourt or if we should go through city court,” Cameron said.

Phillips said the point of the visit was to see how other citiesare dealing with a problem that until now has had Brookhavenofficials turning their wheels to no avail.

“There are no teeth in this system, nothing to get us to the finishline, to the actual cleanup,” he said. “Hiring a code enforcementofficer or health and safety officer will help us follow up andtake it to the ultimate cleanup and get some resolution on thesematters.”

Aldermen said they aren’t quite ready to put the issue before theboard just yet. There are still some considerations and tweaks tobe made, Phillips said, but the process is well under way.

“We haven’t got all the details in place yet, and I like to havethings in order when I present them,” he said. “What we’re doingnow is setting the groundwork to have it ready to go. If we launchthis, we want it to be seamless. The biggest thing we’re holding upon is funding.”

Cameron said he was put on the committee, along with Phillips andWard Two Alderman Terry Bates, in part because he had submitted themost homes and properties needing attention this year. He said thatbecomes problematic for aldermen, and that a code enforcer couldback up the rules without worrying about politicalramifications.

“If we had a code enforcer, that leaves the aldermen out of it to acertain extent,” Cameron said. “He works just like a policedepartment officer, wears a badge just like a fireman or a policeofficer, and he talks to the landowner about their property.”

The enforcer would issue a number of warnings and then the violatorwould appear in court.

“That would save us a lot of paperwork,” Cameron said.

And Phillips said it has worked extremely well in Hattiesburg fromwhat they saw on their visit. He said 70 percent of the items thatcome up are resolved with the first notification.

“I was amazed it was that high, but it’s because a lot of peoplejust don’t know they’re in violation. Only 6 percent actually haveto end up in front of court,” he said. “That made me feel better.They’re taking care of 94 percent of problems before it ever getsto court.”

Other cities besides Hattiesburg have code enforcers, includingmany of Brookhaven’s size.

“We looked at Brookhaven being the size it is now, and we know weneed one,” Cameron said.

Even McComb has a code enforcer. Brookhaven is the only city that’skind of running behind right now.”

The main plus, officials said, is that there would be a full-timeemployee dedicated to making certain that the ordinances and codesare being followed and enforced. Phillips said it looks like itwould be started closer to budget time, since there is a cityhiring freeze and funding has to be found.

“This is one of those structural deals that make your communitybetter and you don’t know why it’s better,” he said, comparing itto a sign ordinance or a landscaping ordinance. “Sometimes youdrive into a community and think it looks nice, and you don’t knowwhy, but it just does.”