City troubled by illegal dumping

The increase of illegal dumping of trash, construction waste at the city's free tree limb disposal site prompts officials to consider restricting access and adding video surveillance.

"The city provides the site for the residents to have a place to dispose of their tree limbs at no cost," said Jared Langenegger, city manager. "There is a problem with residents taking advantage of the site being open seven days a week and dumping trash and construction waste at the location."

Langenegger addressed the city commission about the illegal dumping during Thursday's special meeting. The meeting had been moved ahead a week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Langenegger said the illegal dumping is costing the city workers man hours and is taking revenue away from the city landfill. He said one possible solution to the illegal dumping is the installation of security cameras.

"I will look into finding a source of funding to pay for the installation and set up of the camera system," Langenegger said.

Langenegger said another solution would be to only open the site a limited number of days through the week. He said the site would only be opened when city workers could be present. The workers would also inspect the loads before they entered the site, Langenegger added.

"I don't want to take the convenience of the site away from the public," Langenegger said. "However, the actions of a few residents has caused the city to look into restrictions to prevent the illegal dumping."

City Clerk Angelica Gray requested approval for Resolution 2017-41 for the March 6 municipal election.

"There is only one filing date, Jan. 9, for qualified electors to register for the election," Gray said. "Early voting will begin on Feb. 14 at the city clerk's office at City Hall."

Gray said the District 4 Commissioner, District 5 Commissioner and Municipal Judge positions are up for election. She said the commissioner election is restricted to residents of district 4 and 5 while the municipal judge election is at large.

In other business, the commission:

n Approved an amendment to the Center Street Tank Engineering for $23,855.42.

n Approved the Center Street Tank Change Order No. 7 for the final balance change order for construction for an increase of $599 for a final total of $1,219, 283.19.

n Approved an additional expenditure of the Tucumcari Municipal Golf Course Sprinkler System at the cost of $13,435.