Council debates stronger rules for curbside containers but opts for education and enforcement first

Councilor Schisler raised complaints about residents leaving garbage and recycling containers at the curb or in front yards for extended periods during the Aug. 20 meeting and asked whether the city should require storage in garages or screened locations. He cited a Cedarburg ordinance as one possible model and asked whether Fond du Lac should adopt stronger rules.
Council members heard from staff that municipal crews currently document violations with photographs and send notices encouraging compliance; the city manager said staff had been responding this summer but cannot catch every violation. Several councilors urged starting with re‑education and friendly reminders before moving to a stricter ordinance, noting that some homes have limited garage space or physical constraints that make storage difficult.
No ordinance proposal was adopted; council members asked staff to continue current enforcement measures and to consider additional outreach and reminders on city social media. Councilor Schisler thanked colleagues for discussing the issue publicly.