Council debates tree-dump policy, $3 utility fee proposal and enforcement options
Summary
During a lengthy first reading on Chapter 105 (solid waste control), council debated consolidating yard and tree waste, a proposed $3/month utility fee estimated to generate about $40,000 a year to fund scheduled grinding, limits on commercial dumping, fines for violations, and installing cameras/gates; council tabled final action to collect bids and include all members.
Council held an extended discussion during the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 105 to consolidate yard waste and tree-waste rules and to address long-standing management issues at the city's tree/brush disposal site.
Staff described moving the yard waste location to the existing tree site on South Street and proposed adding a $3 monthly charge on utility bills to fund periodic grinding. "I came up with the $3 and I just took, 100 water bills a month times $3 times 12 months, that's roughly about $40,000 is what that's going to generate," staff said while explaining the math. Council members debated whether commercial dumping should be allowed, discussed recommended fines (first offense $500; second $1,000), camera and gate options, hours of operation and whether stumps should be accepted. Several council members said the community has called in complaints and they want to reopen the facility only after grinding is complete and appropriate enforcement measures are in place.
Council moved to table the ordinance after asking staff to get additional grinder quotes, cost estimates and to bring the item back when all five council members could participate in the decision.
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