Bruceville-Eddy council votes to keep roll-off service for six months, adds cameras and bans brush

Bruceville-Eddy ' The City Council voted unanimously April 23 to continue the city-operated bulky-waste roll-off service for six months, add surveillance cameras and signage, and prohibit brush deposits at the site.

The vote followed public comment from residents who said the service keeps neighborhoods cleaner. "I think it's a bad idea for the community. It's a wonderful city thing that we do," Joyce McLaughlin told the council during public comment. Resident Doris Compton said the roll-off "is a good service" that avoids roadside dumping.

City shop supervisor Gene described recurring operational problems at the roll-off site, including large brush piles left outside the fence, heavy loads that fill dumpsters within hours, and a gate damaged when a vehicle struck it (staff said the repair will cost about $6,000). Gene told the council that the city receives seven free dumpsters per year under its contract; after that the charge is $500 per dumpster. He also said hazardous materials and certain items (tires, refrigerant-containing appliances, paint) are not accepted.

Council members questioned costs and enforcement options and discussed using camera evidence to require dumpers to clean up illegally discarded loads. Councilmember Richardson moved to keep the program for six months while adding cameras and signage, to ban brush deposits at the site and to reevaluate the service after six months; Councilmember Wiggins seconded. The motion, as amended, passed unanimously.

The council directed staff to add no-dumping signage, increase camera coverage, and develop clear limits on the amount an individual may deposit at a single visit. Staff noted that residents can still schedule weekly bulk pickup through city hall if a roll-off closure is necessary.

The council'ordered changes take effect immediately; staff will report back at the end of the six-month period with enforcement outcomes and budget implications.