Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Street superintendent warns of fines for plugging ditches, streets in Gurdon

Gurdon Street Superintendent Jim Caldwell said Tuesday residents need to be careful when mowing grass or raking leaves not to push such debris into the public streets because of plugging up drainage ditches.

"Leaves and grass are taking way too much time for our workers to clear out," Caldwell said. "We have had this enforcement since 1996 when an ordinance was passed about it. Although we have never enforced this, the mayor says we now can because we need to inspire public cooperation in this matter."

According to Caldwell, the big thing in the ordinance that needs enforcing states, "Wheras to pile debris in ditches and so as to impeed water flow is contrary to the health, safety and welfare of the city."

Caldwell said concrete curbing is considered a drain, the same as a ditch, and mowed grass stops up around the curbs.

Those who violate the ordinance will be subject to a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500. Caldwell said his four employees are currently spending their time clearing the ditches "and that is already costing the taxpayers.

"We don't want to be hateful, but we need the ditches to where they can drain," he said. "This means no burning or blowing grass in ditches. Leaves are going to fall, but the extra we clean up is what gets to be a full-time job."

Caldwell said there can simply be no burning in culverts or ditches "and the police can and will fine the violators."

"If you do burn in a ditch, you need to pick up anything that will stop up things. If you pack up leaves or grass yourself and want rid of this stuff, notify us. We have a place to dump them where they can be burned."

Section 5, of the ordinance in question, states it shall be unlawful to initiate or maintain any fire within the city limits of the City of Gurdon: a) on any street, sidewalk or asphalt pavement; b) during night-time hours; c) within 25 feet of any building or structure; d) within 25 feet of any other flammable material not being burned; e) in the absence of constant adult supervision; and f) on a windy day; or g) in the absence of a ready and continuous supply of water located within 10 feet of the fire.

Caldwell said his employees also need the time freed up so they can work on some more new streets.

Childres said, "We realize when someone is mowing their grass, they don't always realize what they are doing as far as it blowing in the street. But this ordinance was passed by Mayor Rick Smith and that Council way back in 1996. This is an effort to remind people."