KKB addresses nuisance violations

Keep Kimball Beautiful addressed issues brought forth by the City of Kimball regarding a nuisance violation on city property used by the organization in conjunction with Kimball’s recycling center. The group addressed the issues at the July 7 city council meeting.

“We want to respond to the nuisance violation. First of all, it has been cleaned up. We realize it got out of hand and now it has been cleaned up,” said KKB board member James Ray.

Council member James Shields asked if the board expected a number of pallets to be at the facility on a regular basis.

Ray said the pallets will always be present, though they are part of a continuous stream that comes and goes.

Board member John Morrison, who once worked at Castronics, which is the point of origin for the pallets as well as plastic and metal thread protectors, asked why some of the process for those items cannot be done on-site.

KKB employee ‘Spud’ Rowley said the organization has considered doing so, however, the company has restrictions that prohibit doing that.

“We are trying. I have had contact with Andy Swisher, and even the safety guy,” Rowley said. “When we say we are going to bring out a crew of our own people, we can’t bring out our own equipment. It would be the best thing. We can’t just shove ourselves out there and say this is what we are going to do.”

Pallets are used by the South Platte Natural Resources District at Oliver Reservoir and are also recycled or reused as needed, according to Rowley.

Keep Kimball Beautiful asked for a variance, or an extension, while waiting for the household hazardous waste (HHW) collection day. It is scheduled for July 25.

Old paint and used oil will be collected and disposed of July 25, when Clean Harbors hosts a collection day at the facility.

Signs are being made currently stating that the facility prohibits dumping of items such as used oil and paint, which then must be stored until a collection date is set for the HHW.

“The problem is that people are going to drop off paint cans when we are not there. What can we do?” Ray said.

“Obviously not accepting them willingly, maybe some signs need to be posted and we look at penalties for those dropping them off illegally. I think there are illegal dumping fees at the landfill,” said city councilman James Shields, who works at Clean Harbors.

Going forward, KKB asked that Clean Harbors schedule an annual HHW for citizens. Shields said the company is currently discussing options.

“I think there is a potential for that to happen. I don’t know how close to a date we could get but we could probably identify a month,” Shields said.

Mayor Keith Prunty stated that Police Chief Darren Huff will ensure that abatement has taken place.

“Things got really out of hand and I would like to have an interlocal agreement like what we have with the chamber of commerce if the council would be up for that,” Prunty added. “Since it is our property, it’s not on the agenda but it is something to think about for next month.”

Ray expressed his appreciation with the board for addressing the issues and added that the board will make sure it does not happen again.

Council member James Schnell offered that City Clerk Rosie Russell researched the possibility of matching funds for fencing at the facility and found that funds are available, even though the city owns the property.

Future discussions will be scheduled for the two entities to consider an interlocal agreement.

“You mentioned a future hearing about some things. Is it possible that we can have a meeting with not only the board but maybe the public works board where we can discuss the future of recycling in Kimball?” Ray asked.

“We’d be open to anything that helps out Kimball,” Prunty said.