Keizer explores sidewalk gap program and pairs code enforcement with police community service officer
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Summary
Keizer councilors on Feb. 24 pressed staff for clearer options on sidewalk gap funding and repair policy while staff described a recruitment effort to add a Community Service Officer to augment code enforcement capacity.
Keizer councilors used the Feb. 24 work session to revisit recurring concerns about sidewalks, code enforcement capacity and how the city pays for expensive repairs tied to street trees.
Councilors described two separate issues: (1) areas of town that do not have sidewalks (the “sidewalk gap” problem) and (2) the sidewalk repair ordinance that places maintenance responsibility on abutting property owners. Staff described existing tools — including limited local improvement district (LID) financing used rarely — and a public‑works policy that the city handles tree removal and stump grinding while property owners pay to replace sidewalks; the city then places a lien when the city pays for repairs.
Councilors asked for clearer public education and a standing work session to explain options. Staff proposed a dedicated work session on sidewalk repair mechanics and financing so the council can consider whether to move a sidewalk‑gap program into short‑term goals. Council President Starr and others urged moving the sidewalk gap program up from long‑term to short‑term so the city can begin to design options for addressing missing sidewalks.
On enforcement capacity, staff told the council that the police department has reallocated a vacant position into a Community Service Officer (CSO) role that will work alongside planning and code enforcement. The position has the same grade as the code enforcement officer and is intended to give planning staff and the public additional capacity on issues ranging from homeless camps to tall grass and abandoned property concerns. Staff said recruitment for the CSO position is open.
Councilors asked for more detail about how the CSO would divide tasks with code enforcement; police and planning staff said the CSO will focus on the enforcement activities more aligned with police services while planning retains the administrative enforcement responsibilities. Staff recommended educational outreach to residents about steps to take before tree roots create costly repairs, and noted there are lower-cost repair methods (concrete grinding, foam injection) when problems are caught early.
The council directed staff to schedule a work session on sidewalk repair options and to bring back program models and cost estimates for a sidewalk gap program.