Carthage threatens to close yard waste drop; Nightingale honored with road

The pasture area northwest of Carthage designated for dumping brush and other lawn refuse for residents has been abused again, and the city is ready to close it down permanently.

During the regular meeting of the Carthage City Council on Oct. 14, the street department reported recent trash and household dumping. A couch, mattress, and general bagged trash was found.

The big deal is when people pull up there they usually clean their vehicles out, said street superintendent Dusty Grotts. Once one person dumps it everybody else sees it and thinks its a dump, too. This time of year it always happens.

Grotts has placed new signage around the area dissuading residents from dumping unauthorized trash in the area. The hope is that the new signs will make people aware of the rules, keeping the site open for responsible users and saving city workers from extra and avoidable labor.

When unapproved items are left at the pasture, it falls on the street department crew to clean it up.

Well have to bring a truck out and load it up, said Grotts. Well throw most of the stuff in our dumpster.

The council approved ordinance 2014-10, authorizing the execution of a TIF district redevelopment agreement between the city and Kimberly Drive Company. The terms of the agreement are the same as the WM investment group, where the developer utilizes the money to improve their building around the square. The goal is to encourage business growth and increase assessed values of the properties.

City attorney Stan Tucker reported that attorney Tom Hartzell is investigating the details on the township road. Since the property next to it is annexed, the city may automatically assume repsonsibility for that road. If not, a deed will be created and will need to be signed by both parties.

Tucker suggested the council have a public comment policy. It is suggested that the council limit a disgruntled resident three minutes to voice concerns. A resolution will be prepared addressing the issue and the finance committee will discuss the matter at its next meeting.

Tucker also modified the city of Macombs tree ordinance to better fit the needs of Carthage. Alderman Ed Owen asked the council members to review the ordinance and make alterations as needed before it is finalized. The ordinance is part of the process to become a tree city USA.

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Carthage threatens to close yard waste drop; Nightingale honored with road