Page 3 - Fall 2017 Overview

You’ve spoken: Satisfaction with property code enforcement improves
When it comes to enforcement of property codes, Overland Park is doing a better job, according to a citywide survey. Enforcement of property maintenance codes helps protect the viability and vitality of the City’s neighborhoods and property owners’ investments. This has been an ongoing priority of the Mayor and City Council.
In late 2016, a citywide satisfaction survey was prepared by ETC Institute, Olathe. More than 1,700 Overland Park residents returned the survey, the most ever.
Results were presented to Mayor Carl Gerlach and City Council members earlier this year.
Residents’ satisfaction with levels of city services and amenities were compared with previous citywide surveys to benchmark progress or areas needing further attention.
Property code enforcement in the 2016 survey experienced the greatest number of improvements in satisfaction for all areas except one, which remained the same.
The level of residents’ satisfaction with “enforcing mowing/trimming of commercial property” improved five percent from the 2014 Overland Park survey.
Enforcement of maintenance for rental property increased three percent from 2014.
Other results include:
Enforcing maintenance of commercial property - increased four percent
Enforcing cleanup of litter and debris - remained unchanged Enforcing maintenance of residential property - increased four percent
Enforcing sign regulations - increased two percent Enforcing mowing/trimming of residential property - increased five percent
“With property ownership comes responsibilities. We work within the community to preserve the appeal and beauty of neighborhoods and commercial sites,” said Jack Messer, director of Planning and Development Services.
“Staff continues to support the Mayor and City Council’s emphasis in strengthening the city’s neighborhoods. This year, four additional property code inspectors are joining our current team of nine inspectors to help implement a proactive code enforcement program. It includes a citywide rental licensing and inspection program. Our goal is to get inspectors in neighborhoods and address property maintenance issues. The overall goal is to improve and provide a well-maintained community for everyone,” Messer said.
Survey respondents said the highest priority of code enforcement issues for the next two years should be cleanup of litter and debris, followed by maintenance of rental and residential properties. A proactive property maintenance program focusing on these issues in neighborhoods is just what the community is asking to be implemented.
Work has begun to replace turf on all 12 tournament fields at the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex. Turf on six fields will be done this year and six next year. The soccer complex opened in August, 2009.
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