New Code Compliance Planner on the Job

William Aiken, the city’s new code compliance planner, will start monitoring Duluth streets and sidewalks for code violations including illegal signs, sandwich boards, banners, and other infractions this week.

Aiken is a former intern with the city and replaces Sherri Hancel in the position.

Duluth Economic Development Manager Chris McGahee introduced Aiken at the Downtown Development Authority meeting Aug. 23 and explained his duties, which will include working with downtown merchants to keep streets and sidewalks clear in preparation for the Duluth Fall Festival Sept. 24-25 and for the opening of Pure Taqueria Oct. 3.

The popular restaurant is expected to daily bring into downtown 550 diners, who will looking for places to park and walking to and from the restaurant. The fall festival on the Town Green attracts 80,000 to 100,000 weekend visitors to downtown Duluth.

McGahee said Aiken initially will point code violations out to merchants, ask for their cooperation and issue warnings. If the merchants don’t comply, then citations will be issued, McGahee said.

“Education is the best way to enforce ordinances,” Aiken said.