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The tree limb dump site in the industrial park is open five days a week and one Saturday per month. City Administrator Scott Hildebrand said residents are encouraged to make an appointment, if the hours don't work for them. Weekend day added to brush dump By Chris Strunk Last Updated: November 08, 2018 Although it was closed for a while for what a sign said was "reconstruction," the City of Valley Center's tree limb and brush dump in the industrial park on West Industrial has re-opened with expanded hours. The site, which was the subject of recent debate, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 8 to 11 a.m. the first Saturday of each month. "This is far in excess of that offered by neighboring communities," said City Administrator Scott Hildebrand. Like Valley Center, some cities in the area have struggled with abuse of their limb dumps, often finding large stumps, trash and other debris mixed with the limbs. Kechi, for example, cut out weekday hours entirely, opening only twice for the rest of the year. City officials said prohibited items had been repeatedly dumped at the site. Hildebrand said the hours could be cut if unpermitted dumping takes place. "If there is further abuse which starts getting out of hand, staff's recommendation will be to only open one weekend a month, which is more comparable to neighboring cities," Hildebrand said. Further, users now may be required to show identification. "Council seemed interested in confirming that users are Valley Center residents," Hildebrand said. Hildebrand added that if the times are inconvenient for residents, they are encouraged to make an appointment. "As staff has always said, should a resident need to set up a specific time to meet with staff and dump their limbs, they are encouraged to call public works at 755-7320 and schedule another time," Hildebrand said. The site had been used by commercial tree companies and out-of-town haulers, which is a violation. Some haulers dumped large tree stumps, which cost the city thousands of dollars to have removed. Because of the abuse, the city decided to eliminate weekend hours so traffic in and out of the site could be better monitored. The decision was met with some opposition by the public. Some said the weekday-only hours were inconvenient for residents who work during the week. After discussion with the city council, the city decided to add the one weekend day per month. It started Nov. 3. The city allows residents to dump tree limbs as well as grass cuttings and leaves. |
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