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Osceola IA Hires First Building Inspector

[Source: Osceola Sentinel-Tribune | July 30, 2009]

David Leonard was hired as Osceola's first building inspector on June 30 and already he is making great advancements for the community.

In less than 30 days, Leonard has sent out 60 nuisance violations and approved 14 building permits.

A grant from Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) and the Clarke County Foundation made it possible to hire Leonard.

Bill Kelly, city administrator, said the grant of $65,000 will be used for salary and benefits. The city will receive half of this amount next year to fund the position.

Bill Trickey, executive director of CCDC said the two entities decided to fund the position because the community's appearance would benefit from someone enforcing codes.

Currently, Leonard is housed in the Law Enforcement building due to space constraints in city hall.

Day-to-day duties for Leonard include code enforcement, sending out nuisance violations and inspecting residential and commercial buildings.

Leonard is also busy with updating city codes and mapping for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Osceola. The updates for GIS include mapping the water system and sewer system more efficiently so others can understand information better.

Leonard said the GIS updates make the city more attractive to potential developers.

"With this information, developers know what the city has for sewer and water capacity and that helps them make the decision about coming here," said Leonard. "The more information you have for these folks, the better it is."

The GIS updates can also help solve problems like a sewer backup more efficiently.

Leonard said he was surprised that Osceola didn't have a building inspector until now, but he is up for the challenge.

"It's good that we have this position now," said Leonard. "Now we can make some great strides and real advancement for the safety of the community."

Leonard recently moved from Pleasant Hill, Iowa where he was a building official and city planner. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in community and regional planning.

"I came for new opportunities and the chance to set up a new program," said Leonard. He hopes to "build an efficient and effective program that will increase life safety and the marketability of Osceola."

Kelly said Leonard has taken over a lot of work and is doing the job well.

"We've presented him with a lot of challenges and projects, but he is a young, smart, energetic and articulate guy who can handle it," said Kelly.

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