Residents urged to follow rules when cleaning up yard debris

City officials are again asking residents to not pile leaves and other debris in roads, saying the piles cause drains to be blocked when it rains.

"It is very important that residents keep debris piles on their curbs and not in the streets," said Darin Flenoy, director of public works.

"Leaves and limbs should be separated and placed on the edge of the property for pickup," said Flenoy. "Sweeps of the city trucks take place on a regular basis in all areas of the city in order to clear natural waste from the streets in a timely manner."

Flenoy said separating debris piles helps the city keep its equipment running efficiently.

"If they want to put debris in garbage bags, they can as well," said Richard Rice, assistant public works director.

Rice said bags for leaves could also be obtained at the city shop.

Flenoy said the city’s leaf truck was working in the Smith and Cherry Streets area this morning and will be working its way south the remainder of the week.

"The chipper truck is in the Forrest Hills area this morning and will be working north towards the courthouse," added Flenoy.

He also stated the pest control department will begin clearing ditches of small limbs and other debris to help water flow in the city.

Flenoy said the department has also divided the city into four zones with Washington and Highway 70 serving as zone boundaries.

"We have a crew of two to three men and a truck going through each zone, writing down items that need to be addressed and fixed in each zone," said Flenoy. "We are trying to clean zone by zone."

These crews will be working on items as needed.

(Continued from Page 1) "If there are storm drains clogged, potholes, low limbs, or even if a stop sign needs straightening up, all of those types of things, those crews will be addressing as needed," said Flenoy.

He also encourages residents to call the city shop to request pickup for large items and special circumstances regarding solid waste pickup.

Rice said garbage pickup this week is progressing after falling behind a day on Monday due to the holiday.

Wynne crews have been helping pick up bins in the city.

"He is still on Wednesday's route and should have Wednesday's route done today," said Rice, adding that the sidearm truck should be repaired today. “They'll start on Thursday’s and Friday's routes tomorrow."

For more information or to request a special pickup, call the public works department at 870261-1418.

Submitted Photo Yard debris can be seen along the side of a city street in a local neighborhood. The city’s public works department is again reminding residents to not place yard debris in the streets, but instead on the curbs in front of their homes.