At times, Great Bend Code Enforcement Officer Stuart Baker’s and City Sanitarian Gregg Vannoster’s positions may be unpleasant.

They have to hear complaints from residents about unsightly and dangerous properties, and have to contact those offending owners about the problems. They make visits and phone calls, and mail letters, often to no avail.

It can be a dirty job trying to keep the city clean.

So far this year, Vannoster has received more than 235 complaints and has had to send over 15 abatement notices. However, more than 71 complaints were resolved without further action by the city.  

The three primary violations observed on properties are overgrown vegetation, motor vehicle nuisance and accumulation of trash and refuse.

Overgrown vegetation consists of grass and weeds that are at least 12 inches tall but does not include planted ornamental vegetation. The area of responsibility for mowing and trimming a yard extends from the curb line at the street to the center of an alley or utility easement. 

A motor vehicle nuisance is any vehicle not currently displaying a current registration plate for that vehicle and/or not in legal operating condition including being up on blocks or jacks. 

Accumulation of refuse has the broadest realm of items that constitute a violation, Vannoster said. Items included are tires, vehicle parts, construction and demolition materials, limbs, yard waste, appliances, furniture, aluminum cans and general household trash in and out of bags.

The city’s codes and ordinances exist for a reason. They are there to help make Great Bend a better, and more attractive, place.

This should instill pride among residents and will make our community more appealing to visitors, some of whom may be thinking about relocating here. 

Clearing up messy properties has been a long-running priority for city officials. Now, they are taking on depilated buildings in an effort to make even more of a difference.

It is the Sanitation Department that gets to be the bad guy here. But, Vannoster said folks don’t have to wait until they hear from them.

“Instead of waiting to receive a letter, they should take an assertive role to monitor their own properties and remedy any violations in regards to the appearance of the property.”

This makes all of us look better.

Dale Hogg