SPRINGFIELD — Several months after adopting modifications to the city’s “Solid Waste” ordinance, the City Council is on the verge of passing a modification of the ordinance that would lower the fine for a container placement violation.
During its regular meeting on April 7, the Springfield City Council unanimously approved the first step of the amendment, which reduces the fines of these violations from $250 to $50.
“I believe police ordinance issued a number of fines of $250,” Cignoli said during the council meeting. “With a little bit of outcry, the request is to change that fine for the placement of the containers from $250 to $50.”
According to Springfield’s website, automated containers after collection must be returned to a secure location.
“With the exception of automated containers being stored in a garage or shed, the automated container shall not be stored anywhere closer to the street than the extension of any existing building line that faces any street unless the automated container is screened from public view by shrubbery, foliage, a fence or a wall,” reads the section of the ordinance. “Automated containers are not to be left curbside, streetside, or roadside overnight after the day of collection.”
Fines for any violation of this section are issued by the Police Department, DPW, Health Department or Code Enforcement, according to Cignoli.
Other proposed modifications
Aside from the “containers” amendment, the council also approved the first step of an amendment to its trash rules and regulations that requires parcels with an accessory dwelling unit to receive its own separate trash service through the city of Springfield.
“We’re making the recommendation that if an accessory dwelling unit is placed on a parcel, it has to get its own separate trash service,” Cignoli said.
According to the proposed amendment, “parcels that include an ADU and do not obtain separate trash services, will be deemed in violation of the Solid Waste Ordinance and would be eligible to have trash services revoked.”
Cignoli told the council that the proposed amendment by the city also includes clearer language around an appeals and hearing process when someone’s trash services are taken away.
Residents can read the full language of these amendments by visiting tinyurl.com/3t4v5fh2.
The council passed the first step of these changes with little discussion. It is expected that the body will officially approve these amendments during its next regular meeting, on May 12.
Readers can learn more about the previous trash rules changes, including the mattress fee increases, by visiting prior Reminder Publishing coverage here: tinyurl.com/47pnckje.
