City launches urgent debris cleanup plan after storm chaos

During a recent city council meeting in Lamarck, Emergency Management Coordinator Kyle Hunter provided a comprehensive update on ongoing debris removal efforts following a recent storm. Hunter announced plans to introduce a tree cutting resolution at the next council meeting, aimed at urging public utility companies to trim trees near power lines to prevent future hazards.

Hunter revealed that the city has signed a 90-day contract with Grant Works to assist with public assistance services related to FEMA and Tedom. This decision comes as city staff, particularly in finance, are relatively new and overwhelmed with responsibilities, especially during budget season. The management costs associated with this contract are expected to be reimbursable through FEMA.

As of the meeting, the city has successfully cleared 53,000 cubic yards of debris, with a second pass scheduled to begin shortly. Hunter emphasized the importance of residents properly separating their debris to ensure efficient pickup, as mixed debris piles have led to complaints and delays. He noted that specialized equipment has been deployed to access hard-to-reach areas obstructed by power lines.

Concerns were raised by council members regarding the pace of debris removal, with some residents expressing frustration over the perceived haphazard approach to collection. Hunter explained that logistical challenges, including the limited size of the debris management site and weather conditions, have impacted the speed of operations. He assured the council that efforts are being made to cover all areas of the city, although some streets may be prioritized based on accessibility and the volume of debris.

Additionally, Hunter reminded residents of their eligibility for a temporary disaster-related exemption under state law, which could provide property tax relief for those affected by storm damage. The city plans to disseminate further information on this process through its website.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions, highlighting ongoing communication between the council, emergency management, and the debris removal contractor, Crowder Gulf, to address community concerns and improve service delivery.