The East Hampton Town Board voted on Tuesday to appoint Kevin Cooper as director of code enforcement. He replaces Donald Kauth, who is retiring.
Mr. Cooper, a 32-year veteran of the New York Police Department and New York City Transit Police, is to start immediately and will serve as the head of the Ordinance Enforcement Department at an annual salary of $90,000.
Mr. Cooper retired from the N.Y.P.D. one year ago with the ranks of sergeant and sergeant special assignment. During his tenure, he supervised investigations related to subway crimes and served with the Internal Affairs Bureau.
"We will have a robust Code Enforcement Department," Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said upon the board's unanimous vote to appoint Mr. Cooper.
In a statement issued moments later, he added, "The director of code enforcement holds a key position in enforcing our community codes and upholding our residents' quality of life, and I am pleased to welcome Mr. Cooper in this role. Our businesses are looking forward to a busy summer in order to begin to recover economically from the pandemic. With his qualifications and experience, I am confident Mr. Cooper will provide the leadership required to maintain the balance needed for everyone to have a safe and successful summer."
"I'm looking forward to being a great representative and ambassador for the town, the town board, and the citizens of East Hampton," Mr. Cooper said in the same statement.
