At the Aug. 27 meeting the Code Enforcement Board discussed a recurring problem with landscapers leaving large piles of vegetative cuttings on private property and sometimes on public roadways, and staff said the town is discussing the issue with its waste contractor as the contract nears renewal.

Code enforcement officer Eric Rich Wagon described numerous instances where landscapers’ cuttings accumulate on properties or along roads. He said the town has requested additional collection vehicles from Waste Management to clear backlog and that the town manager has suggested Waste Management issue red tags for excessive piles. "They need to issue red tags if the piles are, you know, excessive," Eric said.

Board members and staff discussed how enforcement is made difficult when a property owner or contractor removes material before staff can document the contractor’s role. Staff said the town will include guidance about debris limits in the town newsletter (the “buzz”) and is in contract discussions with Waste Management; staff also said the town has requested Waste Management to be more responsive. Separately, staff updated the board that a code-enforcement portal is near completion; the portal will let the public and staff view properties in violation and staff will receive training before the portal goes live.

Why it matters: landscaper debris and uncollected vegetation create roadway hazards and aesthetic impacts. The town may use contract terms and red-tagging to reduce recurring large piles and will give residents information about proper disposal and limits.