Council moves ahead with tree dump site
By:
Keeley Meier, staff writer
The resolution to establish fees for the use of a tree branch disposal site was approved by Brandon’s city council Monday night.
The disposal site, deemed a beneficial service by the council, will be open on Oct. 31. A second date in May 2021 will be announced at a later time.
Hours of operation for the site, which will be located at the former wastewater ponds site, will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The dumping fee will be dependent on the size of vehicle. Pickup trucks or smaller will be $10, a trailer will be $10 and pickup trucks with trailers will be $15.
Finance Officer Christina Smith said that no credit cards will be accepted at this time and encouraged residents to pay by cash or check. Additionally, all residents who plan to drop off tree waste must show their driver’s license or water bill as proof of residence.
Branches up to 12 inches in diameter will be permitted, but should be no longer than 10 feet. No bags of leaves, grass, pet waste or other yard waste will be allowed in the dump site.
Residents who wish to dump leaves or mulch may do so on the designated free drop-off days at a new location, the McHardy Park parking lot. The first of three leaf drop-off days is Saturday, Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no fee for this service. The two follow-up dates are Nov. 7 and 21, also from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fines will be levied for those caught dumping trees outside of the designated dump site or those found dumping in the designated site outside of the established days. Department of Public Works supervisor Rollie Hoeke has recommended a $100 fine for the first violation with an increase of $100 increments after that.
During Monday night’s meeting, alderwoman Dana Clark recommended raising the $100 fine for illegal tree dumping.
“Otherwise, it could be a motivator for someone to dump off things that are inappropriate if it’s only going to cost them $100,” Clark said.
City Administrator Bryan Read said new ordinance for illegal dumping will need to be drafted, as it’s currently covered under a normal municipal fine schedule. The new ordinance will control illegal dumping not only for the site but for the dumping that occurs year-round in private dumpsters as well as city facilities.
