Bethel Park’s new code enforcement officer values education over citations.

“You don’t want to act like an officer,” David Rudolph said. “You want to act like a liaison with the borough.”

Rudolph uses that approach daily in his new position. The Ohio native turned borough resident started his new job June 2.

He was formally introduced as the code enforcement officer at this month’s council meeting.

“We’ve found the right person with the right mentality, the right background and the right experience,” borough manager Laurence Christian said. “That’s rolled all up right here in David.”

Rudolph worked as a code enforcement officer in the northern and central parts of Ohio for years. His last job prior to coming to Bethel Park was with the Seneca County Auditor’s Office in Tiffin, Ohio.

He and his wife, Margaret, moved to Pittsburgh’s Brighton Heights neighborhood to pursue new jobs.

She works as the chief human resources officer for Pittsburgh Public Schools.

High weeds and grass are just some of the issues on Rudolph’s plate.

He said many of the problems so far have been resolved through simple discussion. He brings a copy of related ordinances with him on his travels.

“We want to make contact with the residents when there’s an issue at their property, (whether it is) a violation or something that may not fit within our ordinances,” Rudolph said. “We want to educate the property owners to the verbiage in the ordinances. Sometimes the verbiage is a little unclear, and I try to go out and explain it to them.”

“If the property owner, resident, tenant, whoever is there is willing to work with us and we make progress, even if it’s a little bit at a time, we’re very willing to continue a process to get (them) compliant. Ultimately that’s what we want to do is get them into compliance. By no means does that mean we won’t end up issuing a citation if we get to a point where we can’t get anything done.”

Borough building code official Robert Hicks shares an office with Rudolph and has been helping him get familiar with his new surroundings.

“Dave’s doing a fantastic job,” Hicks said. “People are responding very well to him.”

Hicks mostly oversees the commercial side of the department while Vince Kelly serves as the residential building inspector. They all work in tandem to ensure safety and proper maintenance of land and structures within the borough.

Rudolph said the administration and council have been very supportive. His starting salary was listed at $50,000.

“You’ve always got someone to talk to about something,” he said. “This entire municipality is great. It’s been phenomenal so far. I can’t express enough what a great place to live and work this is. I’m thrilled to be here.”

He plans to issue reminders to residents in February and March about property maintenance and related matters in preparation for next spring.

More information about the property maintenance and code enforcement department, including answers to some frequently asked questions, can be found on the borough’s website, bethelpark.net.

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