Committee recommends ordinance change limiting city yard-waste site to Monona residents

The committee voted to recommend an amendment to the city’s solid-waste ordinance to clarify that the municipal yard-waste facility (ArtPlace facility) is open to City of Monona residents only; businesses, landscape contractors and nonresidents would be prohibited from depositing material there.

Staff explained the proposed change replaces ambiguous language in Chapter 3-81 (paragraphs 3 and 4(k)(3)) with clearer language stating the yard-waste site is for city residents only and that businesses, landscape contractors and nonresidents are prohibited. Staff said the clarification reflects current practice in many municipalities and helps prevent businesses or out-of-town contractors from offloading material at the city facility, which would shift processing and disposal costs onto local ratepayers.

Enforcement currently relies on camera monitoring and Police Department follow-up; staff reported that when commercial vehicles are identified, PD requires them to remove illegally deposited material or face citation. During discussion a committee member asked about the effect on small business owners who personally generate yard waste from their property; staff said that the ordinance language and enforcement approach is standard in other Wisconsin municipalities and that such edge cases can be reviewed by council/attorney if needed.

The committee approved recommending the ordinance amendment to the City Council. Staff and the city attorney will finalize the exact ordinance text and enforcement procedures before council consideration.