Council discussed a working draft ordinance on commercial dumpsters, storage containers and boulevard landscaping as the city prepares for a summer beautification effort.

The draft ordinance presented would make it unlawful to place or maintain commercial-grade dumpsters within city limits without a permit; dumpsters could not remain on property longer than 30 consecutive days without a valid permit specifying duration and purpose. The draft also authorized removal of unauthorized dumpsters with the disposal cost billed to the property.

Council members raised related issues including how removal would occur (private hauler vs. city removal), whether the city has equipment to remove dumpsters, and how to define "commercial-grade dumpster." Staff said a permit template was included in the packet and that the permit would include approval and an expiration date; enforcement questions and definitions need additional refinement before formal adoption.

Council then turned to boulevard landscaping, with public-works staff recommending strict controls on materials placed in the city right-of-way to reduce maintenance and drainage issues. Public-works staff suggested allowing landscaping rock only if rock pieces exceed 4 inches in diameter and are contained within a bordered area limited in width (for example, 4 feet) to reduce washout into storm drains. Staff also raised concerns about driveways extended into the right-of-way and the need to preserve space for snow storage.

The city attorney advised council that some properties might be "grandfathered" as nonconforming uses but the city could adopt a phased strategy to prevent further expansion and to seek compliance over time, including a registration process for existing boulevard alterations. Council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; staff will return with refined definitions, enforcement options and potential timelines.