Camanche discusses garbage concerns

By Danica Baker
Herald Staff Writer

May 21, 2008 11:07 am

— CAMANCHE — The Camanche City Council is attempting to alleviate problems with the city’s waste collection provider.
During the time reserved for communications from city officials at Tuesday’s council meeting, City Administrator Tom Roth stated he met with waste collection provider Jorge Poblete regarding concerns from citizens and council members about garbage pickups. Roth said he credits Poblete for being willing to work on issues, and noted he realizes there have been problems with waste collection services. Roth said Poblete advised that Friday’s recyclables were not picked up because his truck broke down, and the work wasn’t done on Saturday because of the large-item pickup. Roth said there is a lot of frustration because citizens are not aware of the problems, noting some residents were not knowledgeable about what items could be set out for the large-item pickup.
Councilman Trevor Willis said the problems with waste collection are unacceptable and the hired company needs to figure out how to do the job it was contracted for. He said that citizens he has spoken with indicated they don’t need requirements for the collection, just to have their “stuff picked up.” Willis asked when the lack of service becomes a breach of contract and said the poor service is “ridiculous.”
He said the job needs to be done correctly and according to the agreed-upon contract.
Roth suggested the city send Poblete a letter notifying it expects better service and needs to be notified of potential issues as soon as possible so residents can be notified of the circumstances. Roth said he would draft a letter advising Poblete the city expects to receive better service within 30 days or the contract would be reviewed.
In communications from council members, Willis asked what is going on with digging at the AV Transportation property. Public Works Director Dave Rickertsen advised he believes the owner is burying concrete rubble from the demolition of properties along Camanche Avenue in Clinton and raising the ground. Rickertsen said the councilman brought up a good point, because the work is causing ditches to fill with rain. City Engineer Dan Solchenberger said if the work is being done on an area more than one acre, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits may come into play and the site should have a siltation fence, as well as an erosion plan in place. City Attorney Tom Lonergan suggested Solchenberger write the property owner and advise him of the potential issues involved.
Willis issued a concern about what could be being dumped on the property and Councilwoman Linda Kramer said many citizens had asked her about the matter. Councilman Ron Wehde agreed Solchenberger should write the property owner a letter expressing the city’s concerns and the potential legal aspects with dumping on the property, but said someone also should speak to the property owner in person. Lonergan advised he doesn’t think the city has any specific local controls about filling in land, but Robertson noted the work can’t adversely affect city ditches. Wehde asked Rickertsen and Roth to speak to the property owner and Roth agreed it would be the “neighborly thing to do.”
Wehde later suggested the city revisit the issue of nuisance properties. Councilman Ken Fahlbeck agreed, saying the city sent notices last year, but never followed up on the issue. He noted it had been suggested that the city offer property owners a set time to rectify the nuisance or face consequences. Wehde noted some property owners took the first steps in cleaning their property and then stopped. Willis suggested sending property owners notices that the city wants to see progress on the nuisance sites within 30 days. Rickertsen said he would give the owners 45 days to abate the nuisance before the city takes formal action. Lonergan advised the city can issue a municipal infraction or a nuisance abatement notice and bring the issue into District Court. He said he remembered the discussion last year, but did not remember the council advising him to “sick ‘em.”
“Sick ‘em,” said Wehde.
Roth said other properties of concern should be compiled in a list, at which point city officials could inspect the properties and issue a first notice of abatement demanding property owners take care of the issue or face action by the city.