City announces Earth Day cleanups; commissioners raise wind and curbside pickup concerns

City staff announced two community-wide cleanups to mark Earth Day and warned residents about an expected high-wind event, and commissioners raised additional concerns about curbside trash pickup and roadway safety.

Manny Gomez (staff) said the city scheduled a neighborhood cleanup at Del Norte Park on Saturday, April 5 at 9 a.m. (4324 North Grimes Street) and a second event on Tuesday, April 22 at 4 p.m. at Washington Park (520 South Fourth Street). Gomez thanked the Environmental Code Enforcement division and Evelyn Nunez by name for organizing the events and urged residents to secure loose items ahead of a forecast of sustained high winds (forecasts referenced possible gusts up to 60–70 miles per hour and sustained winds around 50 mph during the day).

Several commissioners used the item to raise local concerns. Commissioner Mills warned that curbside trash pickup on high-wind days can scatter litter — he said trash cans on sidewalks are more exposed than alley pickup and recounted major litter along Bender near a Dollar Tree. Commissioner Bennett echoed concerns about curbside pickup in narrow areas and said he had documented blown-over cans. Both urged the city to re-evaluate curbside pickup locations and strategies. Commissioner Fields commended police and fire departments and asked for increased patrols on main corridors to address vehicles driving with headlights off.

Why this matters: staff encouraged community cleanups and safety preparation for a forecast high-wind event; commissioners highlighted that curbside collection policies may increase litter and asked staff to consider operational changes.

No formal action or vote was taken on the curbside or patrol requests; commissioners’ remarks were made during the general-announcements portion of the meeting.