The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

August 21, 2012

North Mankato decides against curbside junk-dump for fall

By Tim Krohn Free Press Staff Writer

NORTH MANKATO — Sorry, North Mankato residents, but you will have no fall pick-up event this year. The North Mankato City Council, however, promises you will get one next spring.

The city’s traditional spring and fall pick-ups were for decades beloved events in which residents could pile anything and everything on their curb for free pickup by city crews.

In recent years, tight budgets caused the pick-ups to dwindle, replaced by drop-off events where residents could haul what they wanted to the city street department complex where they could dispose of it for free.

North Mankato Street Superintendent Brad Swanson, not surprisingly, told the council — via a letter — that the drop-off service was preferable. He said the drop-offs have been successful, orderly and provided a more efficient use of city crews.

But as they discussed the issue Monday night, council members said they knew where residents stood. “Constituents want pick-ups,” said Bill Schindle.

“Constituents overwhelmingly like the pick-up,” added Billy Steiner.

But the council members said they understood that the street department is shorter on staff in the fall because part-time employees are gone. So the council voted unanimously to have a drop-off event this fall, but plan for a spring pick-up when part-time help is available to city crews.

The fall drop-off event is slated for Sept. 28-30.

        

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