By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The objective is a cleaner city. That's why the city of Great Bend is holding its city-wide cleanup Sept. 24 through Oct. 2. And that's why, like it or not, the city has three code enforcement officers. Code Enforcement Supervisor Art Keffer said the goal of the city-wide cleanup event is to enable residents to clean their homes and yards before enforcement is necessary.
"We want to make a positive impact on the city," he said. "We're not here to scold anybody. We're going to make things better. Hopefully, that's the driving force with this cleanup as well as the everyday things we do out here."
Keffer said approximately 500 properties within the city were written up over the summer due to overgrown vegetation. The city had to mow approximately 100 of those properties. "For the most part, I think this year was a lot better than last year as far us not having to go out and do abatements," he said.
Keffer and his officers find violations by driving down city streets and alleys, or by citizen complaints. Last month, code enforcement received 17 complaints though Keffer said officers on patrol observe most violations. The goal, he said, is to help the community as a whole.
"It just seems, as much as we try to educate the public, there's a lot of resistance," Keffer said. "You get people that feel that what they do in their yard is their business if they're not breaking the law in their minds. That's not the case. If we can see it, if it's a visual blight, it becomes an issue for everyone."
During the city-wide cleanup, the city will accept tires, trash, metal, mattresses, and appliances, all at no charge. No household hazardous waste will be accepted. The group Damn it, Do It is volunteering to pick up trash for those unable to transport their items to the dumpster at Sunflower Diversified Services, 5605 10th Street in Great Bend. Call (620) 793-4111 to make arrangements for volunteer assistance.