DPW Director Chris Cignoli proposed amendments to the city’s “Solid Waste” ordinance. Among the changes approved by the council was a reduction in container placement violations from $250 to $50.
Photo credit: Focus Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — About a month after passing the first step, the Springfield City Council officially approved a modification of its “Solid Waste” ordinance that lowers the fine for a container placement violation from $250 to $50.
During the April 7 and May 12 regular council meetings, DPW Director Chris Cignoli said these proposed reductions spawned from some public outcry after a few people in the community received a $250 fine for violating the ordinance.
“The fines for placement of barrels out on the curb during different times is being reduced from $250 to $50,” Cignoli said on May 12.
According to the refined ordinance, all “refuse containers” must be returned to a secure location after collection.
“Refuse containers are not to be left curbside, street side or roadside overnight after the day of collection,” the revised ordinance reads. “All violations of this specific section shall be subject to a fine of $50 per violation.”
The ordinance says that this provision applies to automated containers issued by the city as well as other refuse containers.
Fines for any violation of this section are issued by the Police Department, DPW, Health Department or Code Enforcement, according to Cignoli.
Other modifications
Aside from the “containers” amendment, the council also approved 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.
“Parcels that include an ADU and do not obtain separate trash service, will be deemed in violation of the Solid Waste Ordinance and would be eligible to have trash services revoked,” the amendment reads.
Cignoli told the council during its April 7 meeting 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 looking to read the full amendments can do so by visiting the council meeting’s agenda: tinyurl.com/yun8u7ps. The council’s vote on the amendments was unanimous.
Readers can learn more about the previous trash rules changes in the city, including the mattress fee increases, by visiting prior Reminder Publishing coverage here: tinyurl.com/47pnckje.
