By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The green grass and weeds of the spring and summer are now cowering in the cold like the rest of us. But that does not mean there are no unsightly areas around the city of Great Bend. Code Enforcement Supervisor Art Keffer said his department is doing far less lawn enforcement this time of year, but the Christmas season brings its own set of challenges.
"For some reason or another, when they change out their interior of the home, it seems to make its way out into the yard, and doesn't necessarily make it to the trash anytime soon," he said. "I can say older furniture or appliances have been changed out. I understand that happens from time to time, but that's where we're at this time of year. That's what we see more of."
Earlier this fall, the city held its nine-day cleanup event, which took in 59.4 tons of municipal solid waste and 75.4 tons of tires. Keffer said, despite that, tires continue to be an issue.
Keffer said his staff usually gives residents a couple of days to clean up items before a first courtesy letter goes out. Citizens then have the opportunity to call the enforcement office and explain the problem though they rarely do. The three-man crew even has a bilingual employee, Leo Espino, to assist Spanish-speaking residents.
"Our sole goal is not to cause people any grief," Keffer said. "Our goal is to try and help people out. That's what we want to be. It might not come across that way, but that's what we're there for."
Keffer warned that stray cats and other animals may take up residency in furniture left outdoors too long. And any rain or snow, once the temperatures warm back up, will lead to mold or mildew that may become a health concern.