Dateline: May 4, 2006

Aldermen okay penalty for illegal dumping

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Using a city Dumpster without permission could cost you $2,000 following last week’s regular meeting of the Clarendon Board of Aldermen.

The board approved Ordinance 361 on its second and final reading, making it a crime to dump garbage or waste materials in city trash bins for individuals and corporations who do not pay a monthly fee for that service.

City Secretary Linda Smith told the board that news of the issue had generated calls to City Hall from rural residents.

“We’ve had several people upset about it,” Smith said. “But when I explain that someone is paying for that Dumpster, then they understand.”

Joe Shadle, who works in the city’s sanitation department, cautioned the city about trying to extend its trash pick up service to county residents, noting the costs of fuel and time.

“You can’t service everybody in the county,” Shadle said.

The aldermen agreed with Shadle and said they would consider locating some central Dumpsters that county residents could use for a monthly fee.

Shadle also brought up another issue related to the city’s waste transfer station, asking why the city doesn’t charge the school, the college, or the Texas Department of Transportation when they bring in trailer loads of trash.

The aldermen indicated they were not aware of that policy, and the board agreed to take up the matter at their next meeting.

In response to a question from the Enterprise, the board said Ordinance 361 is not intended to apply to the recycling bins at the corner of First and Kearney. Everyone is welcome to use those bins for their recyclables.

In other business, the board ratified the employment of Stormy Mayberry and discussed finding someone to replace Alton Gaines, who has taken a job with the school.

The board also received updates from City Superintendent Jim Roberts and city engineer Che Shadle.