By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR The Department of Public Works is behind schedule in collecting yard debris due to the volume of material from the severe winter.
Business Administrator Marlena Schmid said the township is catching up on brush removal and that Department of Public Works employees are now working overtime to get back on schedule.
”We’ll continue at it and get caught up,” Ms. Schmid said.
The township is currently collecting yard debris in Zone 4 and will be in Zone 1 next. Check the township website for schedule updates. Residents can also drop off yard debris at the Public Works Site at 70 Southfield Road Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, according to Ms. Schmid.As a reminder, yard debris cannot be placed in such a manner that it blocks a bicycle lane or depressed curbs or crosswalks, according to Ms. Schmid.
”This town looks like a dump,” resident Pete Weale said. He added that he shouldn’t have to pay taxes if the town can’t deliver services.
Resident Alyson Miller said brush pickup won’t be effective if citizens don’t work with the township. She said people are putting yard debris more than 5 feet from the curb, taking room away from traffic on the roadways.
”There’s not even enough for one lane of traffic much less two,” she said.
She also said that residents are putting more brush out on the street immediately after their initial piles are collected.
”We’ll never achieve neatness if people don’t comply,” she said.
Resident John Church said he also suspects landscaping companies and contractors of placing large amounts of yard debris in the streets and called for stricter enforcement of township rules for brush pickup. He said warnings should be provided to those who do not comply with the stipulations for brush pickup and tickets or summonses should be given to those with numerous infractions.
Department of Public Works Director Alex Drummond said township officials should revisit the ordinance pertaining to brush pickup. He said he would like to see the township limit brush piles to 4 feet by 4 feet by 15 feet. He also said the township could suspend brush pickups during some months instead of collecting yard debris every month.
”We really got whacked this year,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. We’re now working 10 and a half hour workdays.”
He also said that residents are putting more brush out as soon as piles are picked up. According to the current township ordinance, he said they are in their legal rights to do so.
Council President Bryan Maher said, “We feel your pain and are frustrated by the situation.”
Council members proposed setting fines for brush pickup offenders. They mulled giving out warnings to first time offenders and $100 fines for offenses thereafter. Ms. Schmid said the way it is now is the judge determines fines for offenders.Councilman George Borek agreed with Mr. Drummond about not having brush pickup 12 months per year unless there are storms or other emergency circumstances.
”If we cut the amount of time…people won’t go crazy every month putting it out there,” Councilman Borek said.
Council President Maher suggested suspending pickup in January, February and March.
The council decided to form a committee to look into the situation and come up with new regulations for brush pickup. Councilman Borek and Councilwoman Kristina Samonte volunteered to work with Mr. Drummond on new rules.
Councilman Borek said they would work on changes and bring them to the council to digest at a later date.
For more information about yard debris collection, contact the Department of Public Works at 609-799-8370.
