TRUMBULL COUNTY Official gets in the zone

The zoning inspector ripped down 140 signs from utility poles in one day.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Ralph Chuey, the city's part-time zoning inspector, is convinced there is enough work to hire a full-time inspector, but he's not interested.
"It should be full time, but they [the city] don't have the money," Chuey said.
The 74-year-old retiree was named to the post because of his constant complaining about slum landlords and those who generally don't keep up their properties.
Being paid $7 an hour, Chuey quips he can make more money working at Burger King.
Violators
Because the zoning regulations haven't been strongly enforced for two years, Chuey asserted, those who have been in violation haven't been challenged.
For example, he said, residents don't understand they can't plaster utility poles with signs. In one day, he ripped down 140 signs -- most of them advertising garage sales.
Chuey said people also don't understand that it's illegal to put a basketball hoop, completed with a backboard and a pole, on the devil strip.
Working with the city health department, five or six houses have been placed on the demolition list.
Chuey said none has been razed while on his watch because its a lengthy process, including notification to owners and their appeals.
"It can get done. It will get done," Chuey stressed.
Progress
Chuey said he believes a great deal has been accomplished and people are getting the message that he's trying to improve the city.
Eighty percent don't give him any problems when approached, he explained.
"I'm not trying to be a Gestapo sort of guy," he stressed, noting he has taken a common-sense approach to enforcement.
"If your hands are dirty, wash them before you eat," Chuey said of his philosophy in property upkeep.
When people are asked why they have garbage around their yards, their excuses include either not having the time or money to clean it up.
"Most of the excuses are invalid. And there is no excuse for not keeping the grass cut," Chuey said.
Doing his job
In the past 2 1/2 months, the zoning inspector has tagged more than 40 junk vehicles with some 25 towed because they don't have license plates or are parked in yards.
Chuey said the owner could give the vehicles to nonprofit groups in exchange for a tax break.
There has been a suggestion that owners pay $25 to the city for each junk vehicle towed to help pay for a full-time inspector.
Some lawmakers have noticed that the look of the city is improving, lauding him for his efforts at Monday's city council meeting.
"Some people hate me with a passion," Chuey said. "I'm doing my job. I like what I do."
yovich@vindy.com