Sewickley has new zoning and building code officer

Sewickley officials have hired a new zoning and building code officer.

Council recently voted to appoint Joe Motznik of Pittsburgh to the full-time administrative position.

Borough manager Donna Kaib said there were eight applicants for the job, and Motznik was selected out of three interviewed finalists.

“We hired Joe Motznik based on his experience, knowledge and passion for his work,” Kaib said via email. “We are very excited to have Joe join our team.”

Mayor George Shannon was involved in the hiring process. He said he spoke with Motznik on a personal level as a potential hire.

Shannon said they talked about family relationships and learned a lot about Motznik’s skills and character.

“I loved his response to my questions,” Shannon said. “He came across as a very knowable, very balanced person dedicated to getting the job done and working hard. We’re excited to have him on board. We want to be responsible to our citizens. We’ve got new people in new positions and we’re looking forward to the future.”

Sewickley council appointed Michael Mullins, an Army veteran and former Boy Scout, as the borough’s emergency management coordinator in April.

David Mazza of Reserve Township was promoted to police chief in December.

Motznik worked as a sprinkler fitter with Local Union 542 for 18 years, and as a maintenance tech for Lamar Advertising for seven years prior to coming to Sewickley. He became a certified building inspector with Pittsburgh in 2013.

“I am happy to be able to apply my skills and experience to the borough, and I am looking forward to making a difference to the community,” Motznik said via email. His salary is $74,000 per year.

Council president Cynthia Mullins said Motznik was hired due to his experience and many professional certifications.

“Bringing a full-time code/zoning officer onboard is a priority council set, and we are fortunate to find someone with deep experience in the field,” Mullins said.

Sewickley has contracted code/zoning services through Harshman CE Group since 2019.

Mullins said that contract will eventually be terminated as the borough shifts those services in-house.

Councilwoman Anne Willoughby referred comment to Mullins, vice president Julie Barnes and Tom Rostek.

Emails to other council members about Motzik and other borough business were not returned.

Efforts to reach Motznik for further comment were unsuccessful. His office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.