Excelsior Springs, Mo – Of all the roles in a community, few are as hands-on or as heavily scrutinized as those working in code enforcement. In Excelsior Springs, two individuals, Tricia Guarino, Code Enforcement Officer, and Daniel Shipley, city contractor, are taking on one overgrown lawn and neglected property at a time to help keep the city safe, clean, and beautiful.
Their journey into code enforcement began with a shared passion for Excelsior Springs’ historic charm and the people who live there.
Guarino first worked with the City of Excelsior Springs in 2019 at the Excelsior Springs Community Center. After years of forming relationships, she stepped into her new role in July 2024 and got right to work. Since taking over the role of Code Enforcement Officer, she has completed 786 inspections, issued 503 letters, and handled 34 court cases, resulting in 265 voluntary code compliances.
Still, she says she sees her work as more than just numbers on paper.
“When I look at a home with code violations, I wonder how the person feels inside because their home is in disarray,” Guarino said. “I’m not here to be the bad guy. I’m here to help the community look and feel its best.”
Her approach centers on compassion and connection. She said she prays for every property and person she visits, hoping to make a difference. “I want people to feel like they want to live in Excelsior Springs,” she added.
Shipley’s work with the city began in 2022 after he handed his business card to then-Code Enforcement Officer Brandon Carney. Now, he works closely with Guarino, mowing overgrown lawns, removing debris, and securing vacant properties like the old Wyman School.
In one case, Shipley recalled helping clear four inches of dog waste from a concrete pad. “You wouldn’t believe the level of neglect some homes reach before being serviced,” he said.
Even with tough jobs, Shipley says he finds pride in his work. “After a few months working for the city, I started tackling community problems, especially incredibly overgrown lawns,” he said. “I started feeling a real sense of enjoyment. You see something decrepit, you work hard at it, and it becomes something nice.”
Both Guarino and Shipley say their partnership thrives on mutual respect and a shared vision for the community. Guarino praised Shipley’s attention to detail, especially his habit of documenting each job with before-and-after photos. She added that residents often call to thank the city for Shipley’s work transforming neglected properties.
Communication is also key in their roles. Guarino described a recent situation where a resident was frustrated after receiving a code violation letter dated June 10 that had been misplaced. Once the homeowner reached out, she worked with them to extend the deadline and resolve the issue. “I give people the benefit of the doubt,” she said. “I don’t want to think everyone is malicious. Sometimes people just forget, or they’re going through a tough time.”
Both say downtown is their top priority. “It’s the cornerstone of the community,” Guarino said. “It reflects all ten square miles of Excelsior Springs. We have four homes that need to be demolished down there, and it’s important to stay mindful of blight because it’s the reflection people get of the rest of the community.”
Shipley agreed. “I’m specifically cleaning up the downtown areas because those are the cornerstone of the town. It has been there for 150 years,” he said.
Shipley’s motivation also comes from his love for the historic homes scattered throughout town. “I want to prevent further deterioration and restore their beauty,” he said. “Downtown gives people their first impression, so it has to be clean and cared for.”
But the work is not always easy. Guarino shared that she has faced threats and intimidation from people refusing to comply. Shipley said there have been moments when he has feared for his safety while entering certain properties. The emotional toll also adds up, especially after a long day filled with angry phone calls or harsh messages.
Still, both remain committed. “I never shortchange the city,” Guarino said. “I give it everything, and I can walk away knowing I gave it my all.”
Shipley echoed her commitment. “I just want to see the community be a better place,” he said. “More businesses, more restaurants, and more people participating. Sometimes it’s a shame to see not just overgrown lawns but homes falling apart.”
Residents who notice issues such as blight, overgrown lawns, pest concerns, zoning violations, or inoperable vehicles can file a concern online at cityofesmo.com/development/index.php/code-enforcement, call the Code Enforcement office at 816-630-0756, or email codes@excelsiorsprings.gov.
Editor’s note: There was a typo in this article that initially said there are “40 homes that need to be demolished.” The actual number is four homes that are slated for demolition. The article was updated with the correct info on July 14, 2025, at 1:54 pm.
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