HOISINGTON — The Hoisington City Council, at its meeting on Monday, discussed a resolution to add fines for those that leave polycarts out on the street for more than 24 hours after trash pickup.
The issue has come to the forefront after it was noted a number of polycarts were left in the street all week. Residents were voluntarily asked to remove polycarts from the street last fall. While the situation did improve some, council members noted that there will still many carts on the street.
Ordinance 1491 says that  containers can be put on the street no earlier than 7 p.m. on the day before Stutzmans scheduled pick up day. It also required the polycarts to be removed within 24 hours of collection.
A ticket can be issued. The amount of the ticket was a bone of contention with the council. As currently written, it would be a misdemeanor fined at $100 with a court cost of $110.
The ordinance also states that trash or recyclables placed in an improper container would not be collected. Building materials not considered normal household waste would not be removed, as well as any refuse strewn about on the ground.
Council Member Jim Sekavec objected to the amount of the fine, saying that the $210 total cost was too high. Council Member Dean Andereck said that the trash carts by the street made the town look junky.
After extended disucssion, City Manager Jonathan Mitchell said he would adjust the ordinance so that the fine was not as expensive. The issue was tabled for the next meeting.
In good news according to a report from Mitchell, 16-21 percent of trash is being diverted from the landfill for recycling. Stutzman began collecting trash April 15, 2013, and in 2013, nearly 193 tons of trash was recycled.
In other business, the council voted to choose Schwab-Eaton to begin work on the sewage lagoons to address compliance. The Hoisington city sewage lagoons have been found to be short circuiting and in need of major repair. The engineering fee will be $6,300.
The council held three show cause hearings on dilapidated property. They were:
178 S. Walnut
This property is currently owned by Mark Smith. Tigie Stephens was present and said that he would like to buy the property and fix it up. However, there is currently a lien on the property. Stephens said the shed in back will be torn down, and the inside of the house was in decent condition.
There was exterior trash, a dangerous porch and the shed.
The issue will be revisited on April 28.
355 W. Broadway
This property is owned by Tigie and Shannon Stephens. The property has a dangerous front porch, broken windows, and a crack in the foundation. Stephens said in six weeks the windows could be repaired and the trash cleaned up. The council will revisit the issue April 28.
The council said they are looking for progress.
304 E. 2nd
This property is owned by Tigie and Shannon Stephens. The porch has collapsed and the roof is bad. It will require a full redo. Estimates were that the property has been empty for 20 years.
T. Stephens said the property was purchased in 2013.
The council voted to draft a resolution to commence repair or removal by April 28.
After an executive session, Mitchell was given a raise.