Don’t blow grass into streets in Linton

Linton City officials discussed an ordinance which has recently been brought into question by residents, which focuses on mowed grass being blown in the roadway.

Some warnings have been issued recently after the freshly-mowed grass was blown into city streets.

Mayor Wilkes explained this has been a long-standing ordinance, which was readdressed in 2016.

Ordinance 2016-07 states, in part, “No property owner, occupant, or any other person shall place, rake, blow, or in any other way cause any leaves or landscape waste to enter onto any street, or storm drain, curb, or gutter thereon, adjacent to, abutting, or adjoining such property owned, occupied, or at which a person is working for hire or as a volunteer, except at those times and in such manner as specifically established by the city for the purpose of collection of such landscape waste.”

Councilwoman Linda Bedwell noted it is the home owner’s responsibility to ensure the grass is not blown in the roadway, even if they hire a mowing company or individual to do the work.

Wilkes noted all city ordinances can be found at www.cityoflinton.com, under the “Municipal Codes” tab. All ordinances are searchable with the use of the “Quick Search” option after clicking the “View Code” button.

The topic also spurred another discussion from the mayor, which focuses on work orders from residents. Any request for a work order must go through Linton City Hall, whether it be the Utility Department or the mayor’s office.

There have been some incidents where individuals will contact the city barn, for example, to have a project done, but those individuals do not have the capability to put in a work order. The individuals at city hall know what specific information needs to be acquired for a work order so city employees can be prepared for the project.

“We want to get these orders organized and in an orderly fashion as they come in, so they can be prioritized,” Wilkes said.

He noted one instance recently when an individual left a note at the city barn that they had a gas leak, but never contacted city hall.

“There could have been a fire by the time anyone got to it,” Wilkes said.

To request a work order, contact Mayor Wilkes’ office at 812-847-7754 or the utility department at 812-847-4971.

Wilkes said the city is also very lucky to have an after-hours option, where residents can contact the Linton Police Department at 812-847-4411 in case of an emergency or major issue, such as a water or gas leak.