Jefferson City Council approves reopening yard waste drop-off site, changes to site expected

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City Council unanimously approved to reopen a yard waste drop-off site during its Monday night meeting.

The decision means the site on Ellis Boulevard will reopen after it closed in January. Jefferson City Public Works Director Matt Morasch said residents should expect changes to the site, including expanding the road used to enter.

"So, it'll be slightly expanded, different driveways, things like that just to be able to handle you know, day to day operations without any manpower there at the site," Morasch said. "So, it'll just be a drop off facility."

This comes after city leaders decided against moving forward with the services Feb 20. According to a release from the city, the council reviewed multiple proposals for a permanent site from Federal Federal Recycling and Republic Service but rejected the bids, citing the cost. Burning season for yard waste ended on Friday.

The newly opened site will be run by the city. Morasch said the city will monitor the site periodically and will work to keep the site maintained. According to Morasch, the city plans to work with a contractor to have the waste at the site processed and removed.

Council members supported the reopening of the site, adding that they believed not having a way for residents to dispose of their yard waste could lead to problems down the road.

However, some council members offered their thoughts on improvements that should be made.

"You know, do what we can to you know keep the site looking good and the aesthetics of it looking good so that it doesn't become an eyesore," said Ward 4 Councilman Randall Wright.

Morasch said the city is also looking into adding video surveillance with license plate readers at the site. Multiple council members agreed the addition would be beneficial.

"I would hope that we do some kind of camera there for the honors system, just incase something comes up we'll be able to let the public know we will look at it," Ward 1 Councilman Jeff Ahlers said.

The city is expected to have the site reopened by April 1, according to Morasch. He said the city is hoping to make the site a permanent facility.

"The original goal was just a very temporary site, so we did it very quickly," Morasch said. "We don't know how long it's going to last but assuming it's successful, it could last for quite some time."

The reopening of the site is expected to cost the city fewer than $20,000, according to Morasch. The old contract cost the city roughly $200,000, he said.