The city of Shawano recently welcomed Brian Bunke to our staff. He will serve as the city’s zoning administrator/building inspector. Today’s column will help you get acquainted with Brian and some of the duties his new position includes.
Bunke left his position as building inspector for the city of Kiel (a position he held since May 2005) to join our city team. He also served as building inspector for the city of Manitowoc for five years.
He was the owner of Bunke Home Inspection LLC. As owner, he bid out construction work, gathered subcontractors’ bids and did everything from small remodeling projects to building new homes.
He commented, “I have decided to give up my business and concentrate solely on my new job with the city. I’m ready for an eight-hour work day, and I’m quite sure I will be kept busy in my new position. Having weekends free will be a nice change.”
Bunke is no stranger to Shawano. He graduated from Shawano High School in 1982. After graduation, he worked for Al’s Carpentry and Home Tec Builders. Bunke commented, “I drove by a home I helped build and lived in on Jesse Court. I wish I still had that home; the people I sold it to still live in it, so it looks like they are happy there.”
Bunke brings with him 30 years experience in the construction business and 21 years experience as a home inspector/building inspector. He holds seven state of Wisconsin certifications in the building trades.
Bunke said, “The area I am less familiar with is the zoning administration. However, Shawano’s zoning code is very similar to Manitowoc’s so it shouldn’t take me long to feel comfortable with it.”
Several area residents and former classmates and friends have stopped by to welcome him back to Shawano. He has also been welcomed by many local contractors. Bunke commented, “I know several contractors from working with them previously. I believe they are glad to be working with someone who was in the trade as opposed to someone who just passed a test to obtain the licenses.”
The zoning administrator/building inspector is a newly created position combining responsibilities of several individuals. The responsibilities include zoning code interpretation and enforcement, site plan review, community development planning, building and sign permit issuance, and UDC building inspection. The zoning administrator/building inspector is an active member of the city’s management team, supporting the entire organization’s efforts to serve the Shawano community while promoting quality development, redevelopment, upkeep, maintenance and construction of property and structures within the city of Shawano.
Brian commented, “Every office is set up differently and every community has its own filing system, computer system and forms, permits, and procedures.”
He continued, “I am really fortunate to have Lisa Bruette as my assistant. In fact, I can honestly say Lisa is the best assistant anyone could ever have. She answers questions I have and is well organized and able to locate information I need. She has such a good work attitude.”
I readily agreed with him, as she assists me as well. It is nice to have willing, competent staff.
Bunke begins his work day at 7:30 a.m. (sometimes earlier) and he is here until 4:30 daily. He has been keeping busy doing inspections and responding to citizen’s concerns. He has developed a new form to keep track of citizen’s requests and complaints.
When he finds the time, Bunke likes to hunt and fish. He enjoys golfing, although he admits his game needs a little work.
Bunke commented, “It is nice being back in Shawano, I enjoy the area and the people here are great. It’s nice getting re-acquainted with friends and associates and also meeting new people.”
He added, “Feel free to stop in and visit with me. You might want to call City Hall (715-526-6138) first to be sure I’m not out of the office on a call.”
Please join me in welcoming Brian Bunke back to Shawano!
The answer to last week’s question — Who was the administrator of Shawano Community Hospital in 1972? — is Donald Johnson.
This week’s question is: Can you name the two meat markets located in Shawano in 1972?
