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Busy Monday at KCMO 311 Call Center after weekend storm

Posted at 6:22 PM, Jul 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-24 19:45:56-04

Saturday night’s storm caught Kathy Sellin by surprise, especially the high winds that did a number on her backyard and out front. 

A massive tree limb blocking the sidewalk in front of her house was an inconvenience for folks who live in the Ward Parkway neighborhood. 

So, for the first time in 34 years of living at her current address, Sellin dialed 311.

On the 13th floor of City Hall, Brandon Smith, a 311 Call Center specialist, took care of her.

“So, this is a private property tree that has fallen and is now blocking the front sidewalk of your home?” Smith asked Sellin over the phone.

He’s one of the nearly two dozen call center specialists fielding calls this Monday. 

Their priority is to make sure the city’s streets and sidewalks are clear of any storm debris.

Storm damage photos

As of 4:30 p.m. Monday, the 311 Call Center has processed 142 requests related to storm damage. This includes calls, emails and tweets, according to Rod Richardson, a KCMO spokesperson.

Sellin’s call took less than five minutes. Her review? 

“It was awesome. Brandon — he was awesome,” Sellin told 41 Action News.

But not everyone is in a chipper mood when seeking the 311 center, and here’s how they handle those calls.

“A lot of times they don’t understand that there’s not much that you can do, but you can provide them with the information and you have to assure them that you understand,” said Erica Good, a quality assurance manager at the 311 Call Center.

Beginning Tuesday to Saturday August 5, KCMO residents can drop off leaf/brush at the city's drop-off sites for free. For more information visit http://kcmo.gov/neighborhoods/leafbrushdropoff/

Click here for a list of drop-off storm debris locations in the Kansas City metro.