Wardsville trustees to review dumpster ordinance after resident complaints; sheriff reports December activity

Village Legal Counsel David Bandre' told the Wardsville Board of Trustees on Jan. 7 that the Cole County Sheriff's Office recorded a range of activity in December 2025 and that the village has received recurring complaints about construction-type dumpsters in residential areas, prompting a staff review of the Trash Ordinance.

Bandre' presented the December activity summary as follows: Assist Citizen, 5; Traffic Stops, 11; Security Patrol, 1; Disturbance, 3; Assist Ambulance, 1; Follow-up, 1; Suspicious Activity, 3; Civil Documents, 1; Burglary Alarm (False), 1; Well Being checks, 2; Research, 1; Harassment, 1; Narcotics, 1. Bandre' said the dumpster matter "has somehow become a problem" and that he will examine the ordinance language and return to the board with proposed revisions.

Bandre' identified a container observed in a Friendship front yard and a dumpster left on Steeplegate for follow-up by Maintenance Director Gary Frank. Frank and other trustees were directed to confirm addresses and investigate the specific containers so enforcement or ordinance language changes can be pursued.

Chairman William (Bill) Gratz also raised a recent accident in Taos around Christmas Eve and noted the village has a sign, light and a crosswalk at the church on Highway W; he said there is nothing further the village can do at this location at present. The discussion linked to public-safety oversight rather than a formal policy change.

No ordinance amendment was adopted at the meeting. Bandre' will prepare any proposed changes for future board consideration; the minutes do not record a vote on any ordinance revision at this session.