During a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the management of yard waste and snow storage, highlighting the challenges and proposed solutions for these essential services.

The meeting began with a report from the public works team, led by Ryan Brooks, regarding yard waste management. Residents currently have three options for disposing of yard waste: they can take it to the landfill for free, utilize one of the numerous yard waste sites throughout the city, or opt for curbside collection, which begins the week after spring cleanup. The yard waste collected is repurposed as cover material at the municipal landfill.

Officials acknowledged the difficulties associated with maintaining nine yard waste sites, particularly in areas near schools. Concerns were raised about safety due to the proximity of playgrounds, especially at the 47th Avenue site, which has received numerous complaints regarding access and blowing debris. The North Third Street site has also faced issues, including illegal dumping and complaints from East Grand Forks residents who must pay for similar services in their area.

To address these challenges, the city is considering a new yard waste site near lift station 39, which would include multiple containers for grass and brush. The estimated cost for this site is around $230,000, excluding land acquisition, with plans to open it in conjunction with the 47th Avenue interchange project.

The discussion then shifted to snow storage operations. City officials explained the process of snow removal, emphasizing the efficiency gained from having multiple storage sites. Skilled operators use motor graders and snow blowers to clear snow, with each truck taking approximately one minute to load and a 30-minute round trip to the storage site. This operational strategy is designed to save on fuel, equipment wear, and labor costs.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to improve yard waste management and snow storage efficiency, ensuring that city residents receive reliable services throughout the year.