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Board reinstates Adopt-a-County-Road program, authorizes up to $1,500 for signage contingent on health officer enforcement
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Summary
The board revived the Adopt-a-County-Road program, approved supplying safety equipment for volunteers, and authorized the solid waste director to spend up to $1,500 on signage (including signs that reference a 1994 county anti-dumping ordinance) if the county health officer agrees to enforce the ordinance.
The Vermillion County Solid Waste Board reinstated the Adopt-a-County-Road program and approved allowing the solid waste director to purchase signage referencing the county anti-dumping ordinance, contingent on the county health officer committing to enforcement.
Officials said the program provides supplies — vests, bags, grabbers and other equipment — on a checkout basis for groups that commit to cleaning a one-mile (or approved shorter) stretch monthly from May through September and to a two-year commitment. The county has digitized the application and staff will handle supply checkout; Kylie Yocom, the highway administrative person, was identified as the highway-office contact for applications.
On liability, speakers said participants must sign waivers and that the county developed forms with the state and the county risk manager to mitigate exposure. The board reviewed a 1994 ordinance that gives the county health officer authority to levy fines up to $2,500 for illegal dumping; the board discussed placing signage near known dumping sites and using trail cameras to gather evidence.
The board passed a motion giving the solid waste director authority to purchase signs — not limited to “don’t be a litter bug” messages — that list the county ordinance number and indicate possible fines up to $2,500, contingent on a commitment from the county health officer and health board to follow the ordinance. The motion included a spending cap of no more than the $1,500 already set aside in the solid waste fund for supplies and signage.
Board members said the county will map adopted roads in GIS so the public can see which stretches are covered and who has adopted them. The program currently shows seven adopted roads. Staff will continue refining the application, waiver and sign process.
