Title
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An Ordinance Amending the Village Code Chapter 7 (“Buildings”), Article 13 (“Property Maintenance Code”), Section 2 (“Amendments”) to Chapter 3 - General Requirements to Require Secured Access via a Lock Program to Commercial Refuse and Recycling Containers
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Introduction
overview
This Ordinance requires commercial refuse and recycling containers to be secured with locks to reduce unauthorized dumping. Staff is proposing a pilot area within the Greater Downtown area to begin this program and regulation.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
This proposed Ordinance is created to reduce the unauthorized dumping, illegal disposal of waste, and overflowing refuse containers by requiring commercial refuse and recycling containers within the commercial areas of the Village to be reasonably secured against unauthorized access. The intent of this ordinance is to improve the cleanliness of the commercial corridors. Staff believes this will decrease the pest activity in the districts.
The greater downtown area would be the first area required to comply with this ordinance. The program would take effect January 1, 2027. If the program is successful, meaning it helps reduce rodent activity, garbage overflow, and maintains cooperation from waste haulers, then the remaining nine districts would be required to comply by January 1, 2028. The staggered approach for the new requirement allows staff enough time to connect with impacted commercial owners.
Staff is also proposing a rebate incentive for businesses. This incentive would reimburse businesses and property owners for their garbage locks and keys. Each business would be allowed to apply one time for this incentive. This incentive would cover 100% of the costs for the lock and any additional cost for the waste haulers, up to a maximum of $100 per dumpster. The one-time incentive would only be available until December 31, 2028.
Timing Considerations
If approved, the greater downtown area will be required to comply by January 1, 2027. The remaining nine commercial districts must comply by January 1, 2028.
Financial Impact
If approved, the proposed incentive will require approximately $150,000 in funds for incentives each year (2027 & 2028). These funds are in the FY27 proposed budget for Development Services.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
This proposed Ordinance has been discussed in the Business Assistance Council Meetings, and Staff has received no feedback to the proposed ordinance.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• The proposed ordinance requires all business owners and commercial property owners to comply, potentially improving the cleanliness of the commercial districts.
Disadvantages:
• Staff time enforcing the ordinance. Although commercial property enforcement is part of the Business Services Division’s core services, additional staff time may be needed for new citations and adjudication court hearings.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board could reject the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this alternative.
Disadvantages:
• Commercial dumpsters would remain unlocked and at risk of garbage not being properly maintained in the container.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Noemy Diaz. Administrative Officer/Business Services Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance