City Manager's Annual Report 2017 | A Year In Review | Page 34

34 | 5. C U S T O M E R S E R V I C E The City imposes liens on properties for issues NEW such as water and sewer capital payment CENTRALIZED agreements, code violations and nuisance LIEN DIVISION properties. When customers needed to find out what City liens were on a property, multiple departments would receive calls, including Legal, Building, Finance and Code Compliance. For the sale of properties that had outstanding City liens the realtor, seller and buyer would also call different departments. In 2017, staff created a “one-stop shop” for all City liens. The Centralized Lien Division is now responsible for answering all questions on City liens, such as pay-off amounts, appeals of the liens, modification requests and a written document for banks and realtors. By providing one point of contact for customers seeking information pertaining to liens, service is significantly improved. GIVE THEM A HAND NIGHTMARE TURNS INTO SMOOTH SAILING! A contractor from a local plumbing company stopped by the Building Department to let staff know that what used to be his biggest nightmare, coming into the office to pull permits, has now become the smoothest and easiest process of all 18 municipalities for which he coordinates permits. The contractor said he loves the new systems that allows him to quickly get permits back. #IAMPSL BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS GETS BIG KUDOS! Wells Brothers Construction Co., Inc. is contracted to construct the amenities for The Pulte Group of Southeast Florida Development, from the City of Hollywood to Indian River County. In doing so, they have the opportunity to deal with many municipalities at every level of construction. They reported to the City that: “Your Building Department is by far the most professional, willing to help and, with their Open Door Policy, allowing my Team and client to meet on short notice…I would also like you to convey my sincere thanks to all the employees who assisted in the building permit process at Veranda Gardens.” #IAMPSL CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE A N N U A L R E P O R T 2017