ASK THE OBSERVER

A local citizen posed this question to the Observer:

Who is responsible for cleaning up the alleys?

Here is what the Observer found out about the alley situation. The city has a 20-foot easement in the alleys, 10 feet from the center on each side. The Street Department and Katie Potterf, the community service officer are responsible for helping to keep the alleyway clear for trash pickup and the city utilities department.

Jim Shoup, head of the street department, said there is a lot of encroachment in the alleys.

Although new to her position, Potterf said that the best thing to do is to put in a complaint if items are blocking the alleyway or your dumpster. She then will contact the resident and try to get some cooperation or fill out a work order to have the street department help her pick things up.

The alleys are not a dumping ground, although her most recent issue was with someone dumping mattresses in an alley and blocking someone's dumpster.

There's no need to dump mattresses as the city landfill takes mattresses for no fee.

Ultimately, the residents and the city are responsible for maintaining good maintenance and cleanliness of the alleys.

Do you have a question about the community for the Observer to check out? Send it to [email protected] or call Daria Anderson-Faden at 308-235-3631.