Deadline for storm debris removal set as December 1

by Charles Gerian

The City of Blackwell is advising property owners whose trees were damaged by the October ice storm that the deadline for organic debris removal is Dec. 1.

So far, the City of Blackwell has been able to foot the bill for more than $70,000 worth of costs associated with cleaning up storm damage, City Manager Janet Smith said.

Davis Sanitation provided roll-off dumpsters and workers to help the City of Blackwell and its residents with removing fallen limbs and debris from the ice storm, which left 90% of the city without power for more than three days.

“The costs associated with removal of storm debris are the reason we have set a deadline of Dec. 1, 2020, for residents to remove their debris,” Smith said. “Otherwise, these costs will continue to rise in addition to our normal monthly trash fee.”

Prior to Dec. 1, property owners and/or renters are encouraged to transport the organic storm debris to Davis Sanitation, 1005 E. Coolidge, which is the City of Blackwell's approved storage site.

The location for disposal is on the west side of the transfer and convenience station near the entry gate. Hours of service are from Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Regular hours for the trash transfer and convenience station are Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Code enforcement workers will make contact with property owners if their properties are not cleaned up on or before the deadline.

The city has temporarily suspended the burn permit fee in an effort to assist the public with storm debris removal. If residents plan to burn debris on their property, they must contact code enforcement workers so that an inspection of the debris pile can be performed prior to burning.

If there are no issues, and if the weather permits, a burn permit will be issued. There will be a fine for those burning debris without a burn permit.

The city’s Code Enforcement office can be reached at 580-363-6440.