Public Works asks for patience after ice storm

By Randy Bell

Those tree limbs which snapped all across Clinton during last month’s ice storm will be picked up—but it’s going to take some time.

“Honestly, the main thing is patience,” says Public Works Director Phillip Lilley. “One [limb] truck is traveling the whole city.”

The Board of Aldermen at its meeting on February 3 approved the hiring of a new limb truck driver, and Lilley says that employee will have to undergo some training before being sent out in the truck.

“I do have some [other] guys who know how to run the limb truck, but they have other responsibilities to take care of,” he says.

Normally, when residents want limbs picked up, they’re asked to place a work order with Public Works. But in the wake of the ice storm, that won’t be necessary.

“Calling a work order in will not have us working any faster,” says Lilley, “because everyone’s going to be dragging things out to the street.”

The limbs should be placed at the curb, but not in the street or gutter. The City’s policy is for the limb piles to be no larger than seven feet long and five feet high. But given the amount of tree damage in Clinton, “We will give them some wiggle room,” he says.

Lilley points out, though, that only goes so far.

“We will not pick up tree stumps.”

Another alternative for smaller limbs is the City’s regular trash service. Waste Management says branches must be bundled, bagged or placed in containers.

Professional tree services are responsible for disposal of the trees and limbs they cut on private property in Clinton.

Disposing of storm debris

• Place limbs at curb.
• Do NOT place limbs in the street or in a gutter.
• Try to keep limb piles no larger than 7’ long by 5’ high.
• Storm debris pickup does not require a Public Works work order.
• Smaller limbs can be bundled, bagged or placed in containers for regular trash pickup.
• Tree stumps will not be picked up.