The Riverbank City Council took a few moments at the beginning of its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 9, to recognize the hard work of a small segment of the city’s Planning and Development Department with a proclamation.

Department Head Donna Kenney introduced a brand new Neighborhood Improvement Officer to the council, with a new title for Code Enforcement Officers in Riverbank.

Mayor Richard O’Brien, on behalf of the council, presented Mark Ellenberg with the proclamation designating the second week in October now Code Enforcement Officer Week in Riverbank.

The proclamation points out “the challenging and demanding role” these officers carry out in their jurisdiction, and that they “often do not receive recognition for the work they do in improving the quality of life for residents and businesses” in their communities.

It goes on to note “Code Enforcement Officers have a highly visible role that requires regular, professional interaction with the public to provide for the safety, health, and welfare of citizens through the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws; and officers are dedicated, highly qualified, and highly trained professionals who share the goals of preventing neighborhood deterioration, enhancing communities, ensuring safety, and preserving property values through knowledge and application of housing, zoning, and nuisance laws.”

Then it proclaims that the second week of October in 2018, and annually thereafter, be known as ‘Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week’ in the City of Riverbank.