Mayor Hopkins reported on Aug. 14 that borough staff and a contractor have begun a court‑ordered cleanup of a large illegal landfill in the Badger Road area, a site officials said has accumulated cars, trash and other waste over several years.

The mayor said the borough began enforcement actions in 2017 after voluntary compliance failed and that the court issued an injunction authorizing contractors to remove the accumulated material. Planning staff accompanying the mayor estimated the site holds roughly 200 tons of trash; the mayor said 200 tons may be a low estimate. The administration reported a contract award to a contractor for $60,000 to perform the cleanup work.

During the meeting, Assemblymember Wilson asked whether the borough could place a lien or otherwise bill the property owner for the cleanup; the mayor said he did not believe there is a lien and that the owner will retain title. When asked whether cleanup costs could be billed back to the owner, staff replied, "Not at this time." Assembly members asked what the Assembly could do to make future cleanups easier; the mayor said he would bring forward ordinances in coming months to streamline voluntary cleanup, tipping‑fee waivers and processes for faster court injunctions. Staff also noted the borough currently is limited by code to three code enforcement officers (outside animal control) and is exploring non‑staff remedies and partnerships.

Assemblymembers and the mayor discussed looking to other jurisdictions and partners — including the North Pole Chamber and United Way, which have supported past cleanups — for funding or assistance on additional sites. The mayor said the cleanup will be beneficial for the neighborhood and that staff will continue to refine the enforcement and cleanup process for other illegal landfills across the borough.

No Assembly vote was required on the report; the project was described as a court‑ordered, contractor‑performed cleanup with the administration continuing follow‑up work on ordinances and potential funding sources.