Rules will be enforced for illegal items at tree dump

Although the wood sign with block letters at the entrance of the Clearwater tree dump is tattered, its message is crystal clear.

Only leaves, grass clippings and tree branches are accepted at the site, which is located south of town on Montana Street.

Lately, Troy Behnke, who oversees the village's maintenance department, has seen an increase in furniture, pallets and other miscellaneous items being left at the dump.

"I currently have an entire deck out there now," he said. "I'm pretty sure I know where it came from."

Behnke suggested village officials have an official letter to be given to residents who leave illegal refuse, with a timeline for removal.

"The sign already says there is a $500 fine to taking stuff that doesn't belong there," he told trustees when the met Dec. 9.

Surveillance cameras capture video at the site.

Village attorney Kyle Petersen said correspondence will be the best approach.

"In Tilden, we had so many unapproved items get in that we were one violation away from having our dump shut down," Petersen said.

Behnke said Clearwater is at that point now.

"People are taking it there because they don't know any better," said chairman Kelly Kerkman.

Village clerk Angie Hupp said either a first-class or certified letter can be mailed or a sheriff's deputy can deliver it for a fee.

After discussion, trustees agreed violators will receive a letter, either by mail or hand delivered.