By Lindsay Press
The Town of East Hampton has appointed Martin Culloton as the new director of code enforcement. Culloton recently took the position, replacing Kevin Cooper.
Cooper was originally appointed as code enforcement director in May 2021. Having retired from the New York State Police, he required a waiver from the state, the town’s public information officer, Patrick Derenze, said in an interview with Long Island Life & Politics.
“Under New York State law, retirees from public service positions who receive a pension and wish to return to public employment may need a waiver to continue receiving their pension while earning a salary in the new position,” said Derenze. “Such waivers are typically granted under Section 211 or 212 of the New York State Retirement and Social Security Law.”
Derenze also stated that Cooper stepped away from the position following New York State’s refusal to renew the waiver. Cooper now works in a similar role in the Village of Port Jefferson.
In East Hampton Town, the Code Enforcement Department works to maintain the health, safety, and overall quality of life of the town’s residents. The department’s responsibilities include the following:
- Investigating illegal structures and zoning violations
- Garbage accumulation
- Unregistered vehicles on private property
- Overgrown vegetation
- Excessive noise
- Substandard or unsafe buildings
- Illegal Signage
- Complaints about parking or unimproved surfaces
- Illegal businesses
- Land use violations
Culloton will also oversee the Animal Control Department, which implements local and state laws regarding dog licensing, harboring, and public safety, and responds to animal-related complaints.
Before joining East Hampton, Culloton worked as a Town Investigator in the Code Enforcement Department for the Town of Southampton. In that role, Culloton was responsible for investigating violations of town codes and regulations, ensuring compliance, and working with other departments to uphold community standards.
“Marty brings strong experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges our community faces when it comes to protecting our neighborhoods and natural resources,” said East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team and look forward to the improvements in responsiveness, coordination, and transparency he’ll bring to this vital department.”
“It’s an honor to take on this position,” said Culloton. “My focus will be on working collaboratively with the community and across departments to ensure that our town’s codes are enforced fairly, consistently, and with respect. East Hampton is a special place, and I’m committed to doing my part to help preserve it.”