MORRISTOWN – Eleven people submitted applications for the town’s vacant code enforcement position by Tuesday’s meeting.

David J. Murray, town clerk, said two more may come in today and all will be sent to the county Civil Service Administration to measure their qualifications. Former Code Enforcement Officer Lanetta Kay Davis stepped down at the beginning of November citing health issues.

Timothy C. Tuttle, Oswegatchie code enforcement officer, has been working in Morristown in the period between the departure of Ms. Davis and when a new officer is found.

According to Mr. Murray all but one of the current applicants live within St. Lawrence County. One resides in Jefferson County. Village Mayor Cheryl A. Shatraw asked to be included in any discussions relating to the hiring of the next code enforcement officer.

At last month’s meeting Town Council Member David VanArnam suggested requesting that the village of Morristown start paying more for the code enforcement officer.

“We pay town and county taxes,” said Ms. Shatraw. “[The code enforcement officer] should be covered.”

Town Supervisor Frank L. Putman, echoing Ms. Shatraw, said, “The people in the village are town tax payers. The arraignment [with the code enforcement officer] is likely to stay the same.”

Mr. Putman acknowledged that the Town Council did entertain the idea of raising the fiscal burden on the village for the code enforcement office but said, “That’s not going to happen.”

Mr. Putman said he welcomed Ms. Shatraw to sit in on any conversations relating to the hiring of a new officer. “The mayor wants to attend and we will appreciate any input but she won’t have a vote,” he said.

Mr. Murray said he expects the Civil Service Administration will not be able to vet the applicants until the first week of January. The Town Council will move on any hiring decisions following that.

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