Dateline: April 20, 2006

City about to crack down on illegal Dumpster use

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Bringing your trash to town may cost you $2,000 if you’re caught illegally using city Dumpsters following last week’s regular meeting of the Clarendon Board of Aldermen.

In regular session April 11, the board discussed the problem of local businesses and residents having their Dumpsters filled up by people from outside the city.

City officials noted said a clock could be set by the regularity that some rural residents bring their trash to town, and the board agreed that it is unfair for city residents and businesses to pay for trash service and then allow county residents to essentially dump for free.

Aldermen noted that some residences outside the city do pay to have city sanitation services and felt others should do the same if they want to use city Dumpsters.

The board approved the first reading of Ordinance 361, which sets a penalty of $2,000 for persons, corporations, or other entities, who dump waste material inside the city without paying a monthly fee.

The ordinance must pass a second reading on April 25.

The aldermen also set April 21 through May 1 as the dates for the annual spring clean up, during which all fees at the city’s recycling center will be waived for city residents.

Trash, tree limbs, appliances, and other junk can be brought to the center on Front Street, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Elderly, disabled, and other disadvantaged citizens who are unable or don’t have the means to move debris from their property can call City Hall for assistance.

Aldermen Janice Knorpp said the city should print posters encouraging the clean up and buy advertising in the local newspaper and on local radio to get the word out. Alderman Michael Tibbets said he liked the poster idea but said the city should not spend any money to promote the clean up.

Aldermen also met with City Fire Marshal Kelly Hill regarding the status of some properties in the city.

“People that let their property grow up are creating a fire hazard,” Aldermen Knorpp said. “It’s serious, and we’re going to do something about it.”

Hill agreed that safety and nuisance ordinances should be used to help lessen dangerous situations and said the city needs to do its part by making sure alleys are clear.

In other city business, LaDez Captain updated the board on his Eagle Scout project to improve the North Ward Park. He asked for $1,300 to expand the basketball court to full size, and the board approved his request unanimously.

Aldermen reviewed the US Flag Code, and City Secretary Linda Smith said that Gov. Rick Perry’s office informed her that while individuals and businesses can put a flag pole and fly the flag any way they want to, state agencies and other government offices must follow the flag code.

The issue was raised after the recent death of longtime volunteer fireman Lloyd McCord when local fire officials asked the city to lower the United States flag to half-mast.

Alderman Tibbets suggested that, in keeping with the flag code, the city should obtain a city flag and that the mayor would have the authority to lower the city flag as appropriate. The board agreed with this plan, but no action was taken.

City Superintendent Jim Roberts updated the board on the street project and said the contractor has said it will be finished by May 1, 2006.