Our Opinion: Don't add to city's stormwater problems

Our city has enough stormwater problems; let's not add to them.

City officials reminded residents not to rake or blow yard waste into stormwater drains, which could cause flooding.

Avoid even putting your leaves/grass in city streets, as it can get in the storm drains. City sweepers clean streets regularly but can't remove large amounts of leaves/sticks/grass.

Drivers of the street sweepers are trained to avoid large piles of yard waste so they don't damage the city's equipment. In those cases, the drivers will contact the city's code enforcement workers to follow up on the situation, said Britt Smith, operation division director for the city's Department of Public Works, in a Sunday story.

City code prohibits residents from placing items into the drainage system if there is a chance it will block or interfere with the stormwater infrastructure. Violators can be fined up to $500, plus damages.

There are legal options. We believe the best option is to compost your yard waste. If you have the space and time, you can compost to create nutrient-rich soil ideal for your garden. Among other things, it reduced the need for chemical fertilizers.

Another option is to burn the yard waste. It's legal to burn on your property during daylight hours until March 1. The city does ask that you hold off during windy conditions. (The Jefferson City Fire Department issued such a warning on Monday, as high winds and low humidity combined for dangerous burning conditions.)

A third option is to use the yard waste facility at 2417 Southridge Drive. Residents can take tree limbs, grass clippings, leaves, wood chips and flocked Christmas trees to the facility for free.

The facility is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays from Dec. 1-March 15. The building is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays from March 16-Nov. 30.

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While on the subject of city issues, we're saddened to hear about the sudden death of Janice McMillan, a longtime city employee who retired early this year.

As Jefferson City's director of planning and protective services, McMillan led a 20-member team that deals with buildings, food service, planning and zoning, property maintenance and administering several of the city's grant programs and major contracts.

McMillan was quiet but knowledgeable. As we reported on her and her department over the years, we found she was much more interested in helping the public than being in the news. She shied away from publicity, even good publicity, while quietly working to make our city a better place to live.

She was a faithful public servant, and we will miss her.