Environmental services flags ordinance conflict, council asks staff to propose cleanup-fee and enforcement fixes

City environmental services staff briefed council on solid‑waste and stormwater responsibilities and described recurring illegal dumping and heavy accumulations of mixed materials (brush, furniture, tires and construction debris). The director said the current municipal code contains conflicting language: one provision appears to require owners to pay for disposal of heavy accumulations, while another phrase used by city webpages and staff communications suggests some outside‑residence waste is collected with no charge.

The director said the conflict creates confusion for residents and operational frustration for staff who must manage mixed piles that include bulky items and possible hazardous materials. He described current practice emphasizing education and warnings, two scheduled bulky pickups per year, and mobile collection events. "We give warnings and educate first, but there are instances where materials are a public‑health and stormwater hazard and must be hauled to the landfill," he said.

Council members urged a clearer, administrable approach. Suggestions included: (1) clarifying the ordinance to state the owner is responsible for costs of bulky or mixed waste removal, (2) establishing an administrative fee that can be charged to a property account or utility bill and contested via established channels, and (3) improving public information about available free or scheduled city pickups and the direct number to request service. Staff agreed to return with proposed ordinance language, a fee and dispute process, and an operational plan for public‑notification and targeted mobile collection events.

Council voted to have the item brought back at the next meeting with recommended ordinance amendments and an outreach plan.