Mt. Pleasant works to keep walks, curbs clear of snow, garbage

People have busy schedules. Many rise early in the morning to go to work, so finding ways to prepare ahead is a good idea. But not when it comes to garbage.

In Mt. Pleasant Borough, residents are required by ordinance not to put out their garbage more than 24 hours ahead of the Monday and Tuesday pickup days, and officials want to remind residents to please regard the guidelines.

"A lot of time, garbage that is to be picked up on Monday or Tuesday is put out on Thursday or Friday," Mt. Pleasant Mayor Gerald Lucia said. "You can drive around and see it out, and it's against the ordinance."

"Residents are not to put out their garbage 24 hours prior to pickup," Councilwoman Cindy Stevenson said. "We do have an ordinance and want to remind everyone."

Lucia added that stray animals and rodents are a problem with trash set out too soon, especially when the weather turns warmer.

"It can be a problem in the summer," Lucia said. "When it starts to get warm, they are out looking for something, and garbage is a big attraction."

The borough has received complaints about garbage set out for long periods of time, the mayor said, and it is something unsightly that they wish to curtail.

"A big problem is the east and west ends of Main Street, especially in the warmer months when we are getting more travelers coming through town," Lucia said. "Garbage lined up for days isn't something that we want people driving through our town to see."

The mayor also wants to remind residents that they are required to remove snow from sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowstorm.

"If it's a heavy, wet snow, they only need to do a pathway, so people such as the mailman can get through," Lucia said, adding that rental properties pose one of the borough's biggest problems when it comes to snow removal. "Some landlords have it in their contracts that the renter must remove the snow, but it's the responsibility of the landlord for those who don't, and if someone falls on their property, it's their responsibility."

Lucia said that in the past the borough has received inquires about people who could help with snow removal. The borough is attempting to compile a list to aid individuals unable to clear their walks on their own.

"People call the borough and ask if there is someone who will come and clear their walks," Lucia said. "We are asking for any young men or women in the town who are interested in volunteering to help with walks, to contact the borough building. We'd like to be able to put together a list, and then if someone calls and needs help, we can give them a name and telephone number from that list who they can then call for help with their snow."