Arbyrd council weighs options on current city trash issues

Arbyrd Alderman Ron Branum, left, proposes that the council enforce the current trash ordinance to solve issues with the city's trash complaints. The council decided to table the issue to be discussed at a further meeting. Also pictured is Arbyrd Police Chief, Mitch Skelton, right. Staff photo by Joshua Payne

Tina Chapel, of Arbyrd, did not return to the council with the petition of signatures to obtain the standard garbage cans from Branum's Disposal.

Alderman Ron Branum noted that all the individuals that he had spoken to about the issue were against the standard garbage cans and wanted to let the other individuals comply to the current ordinance.

City Clerk, Erma Branum, informed the council that she had gotten the same response from residents who said they really couldn't afford the extra cost.

"There are only about 14 not in compliance with the ordinance," Ron Branum said. "I think we should enforce the ordinance that is in place."

Alderman, Jessica Zolman, asked Ron Branum if he was intending to enforce the ordinance on every person in the city.

Erma Branum noted that the current ordinance stated that trash containers must have a locking lid to be in compliance.

"We can be reasonable about it, but people have to understand," Ron Branum said.

"Why should someone's trash infringe on a neighbor?"

Alderman Brent Pierce explained that the problem was 'where to draw the line on the enforcement.'

"We would have to write a different ordinance, because it would not be fair otherwise," Zolman added.

"I think that everybody can use a little discretion here," Ron Branum interjected.

Pierce noted that he understood that 'if the odor was blowing in the yard then there was an issue.'

Ron Branum reminded Pierce that he was sworn to uphold the ordinances just like all the other Aldermen.

"If we are going to uphold the ordinance then [Mitch Skelton, Arbyrd Police Chief] needs to get his ticket book out and start writing tickets to the board, because I am not in compliance," Pierce said. "I think we need an ordinance but I don't think we need this one."

Ron Branum explained that 'a lot of times you can just talk to people and let them know of the issue.'

"Mitch can talk to them and ask them to comply, and if they don't, give them a ticket," Ron Branum said. "We don't want to break anybody's back over it."

Zolman noted that the city should put an abbreviated version of the ordinance on people's houses before writing any tickets.

"We just explain to them what we are trying to do, if they don't comply, then they deserve a ticket," Ron Branum said. "We are here to enforce the ordinances."

Pierce asked Ron Branum if he wanted to go down the book and enforce all ordinances.

"I think we can be reasonable with it," Ron Branum said. "What are you going to do let everybody do what they want."

Pierce recommended tabling the issue, but Ron Branum informed Pierce that it would have to be handled sooner or later.

Erma Branum explained to the council that the ordinance coincides with health and safety issues, but she would have City Attorney, Terry McVey, review the ordinance to see if any changes could be made.

Pierce noted that he agreed that something had to be done, 'but he did not want to write a bunch of tickets.'

"My neighbor told me that they live in Arbyrd because it's a small town and you don't have all the city mumbo jumbo," Pierce said. "If that comes into play we might as well move to the city because there is nothing else here and that's the way a lot of people look at it. Arbyrd is a small town and they don't want it run like a big town.

Ron Branum informed Pierce that there is nothing wrong with some housekeeping for the city.

"Why come down on other people that are not necessarily the problem," Pierce asked.

"When you were sworn in did you hold up your right hand to uphold the ordinances of this town?," Ron Branum asked. "If we are not doing it, then we are not doing our job."

Zolman commented that there were probably a lot of other ordinances not being enforced.

"If we enforce all ordinances, we will have a bunch of angry people," Pierce said.

Erma Branum informed the council that she would check with McVey to see if any changes could be made to the current ordinance as the City Council tabled the issue.

Also during the meeting:

* It was noted that a police grant had been awarded but the money had not arrived;

* It was noted that another grant was being sought for drainage in the city;

* Pierce asked about searching for a grant to place city welcome signs throughout the City of Arbyrd.

The next Arbyrd City Council meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m., Monday, October 12.