Move to Relax Brooklyn Park’s Trash Can Storage Standards Results in 3-3 Vote
The city of Brooklyn Park held a lengthy discussion Monday night on whether to relax its ordinance for the storage of garbage cans.
A proposed change would allow residents to store waste containers unscreened along the side of homes. Currently they must be fully screened or stored in a garage or back yard. For corner lots, the proposed change would still require screening for containers adjacent to a street.
According to city leaders, the reviews on the proposal are mixed.
“I’ll be honest, this is the most phone calls, emails I’ve gotten on any issue,” said Brooklyn Park City Council member Tonja West-Hafner. “And it really is sort of both sides.”
During the one-hour discussion, several residents provided feedback.
“Surprisingly, I’ve been seeing things around. People leave their garbage outside, their yard is full,” remarked Brooklyn Park resident Modupe Mafe. “It has to do with our health. Health is wealth.”
“You think that changing this code will modify the behavior? No. You’re not going to modify the behavior by changing a code,” said Steven Marsolek, another Brooklyn Park resident, who mentioned calling in violations about improper garbage storage.
“There’s a reason I chose not to live in a townhome association too,” commented Brooklyn Park resident Ryan Jancik. “I don’t want nitpicking about everything. I don’t want my neighbors to go through all of that.”
Trash cans are allowed on the curb no earlier than 3 p.m. before pickup day
Pros and Cons to Trash Can Storage Ordinance Change
Brooklyn Park last changed its waste container storage ordinance 12 years ago. Some believe the proposed change would help people with physical limitations or those with limited garage space. Others say changes shouldn’t be made for those who don’t adhere to the rules in the first place.
City officials say waste container storage is the city’s most common violation inspectors see each year.
“This requires our staff to dedicate a lot of time in those areas,” said Jason Newby, the city’s inspections and environmental health manager.
Newby mentioned having to dedicate three seasonal interns just to trash can enforcement. He says that if the change was made, code enforcement could likely focus more on long grass, junk cars and “things that really impact safety and livability.”
Other cities have removed screening requirements. Maple Grove recently amended its ordinance, allowing no more than two containers to be stored behind the “front plane” of the house on a paved or finished surface. Edina allows containers within 5 feet of the garage or side yard. Burnsville allows containers to be stored on the side or rear of the house.
Like many other cities, Brooklyn Park’s ordinance says containers cannot be overflowing with trash and debris. Waste bags also can’t be stored outside containers.
Enforcement actions in Brooklyn Park include citations that start at $55 and double for each repeat offense. Some residents have accumulated $800 in fines, Newby said.
3-3 Vote
After the public feedback portion ended, there was some dissent on whether to continue city council discussion on the topic. The city council voted 4-2 to cut off discussion and get to a vote. Council members XP Lee and Boyd Morson were opposed.
A vote to change the ordinance ended in a 3-3 tie. Mayor Lisa Jacobson and council members Lee and West-Hafner voted against the change. Council member Susan Pha was not present. City attorney Jim Thomson said the proposal is expected to come back for another vote when all council members can attend.
