During a recent government meeting, officials addressed the ongoing issue of illegal dumping in alleys, particularly concerning large items like mattresses and refrigerators. Residents frequently report these items left in alleys, prompting the city to offer a solution: if community members move the items to the end of the alley, city crews will pick them up at no charge to their accounts. This service is limited to one pickup per month per residential account.

City representatives noted that while this initiative has seen increased participation, challenges remain, especially in areas where illegal dumping is prevalent. The narrowness of alleys poses risks for utility damage when crews attempt to collect these items, as they often obstruct gas meters and utility pedestals. To mitigate these risks, the city encourages residents to utilize the large item pickup service by placing items at the front of their homes instead of in the alleys.

The discussion highlighted the importance of community awareness and participation in addressing the issue. Council members expressed appreciation for the information shared, which will aid them in informing constituents about the available services. Following the discussion, the council moved to approve ordinance 2024-07 on its second reading, signaling a commitment to tackling the problem of illegal dumping effectively. The meeting then transitioned to the first reading of ordinance 2024-08.