Don’t count out the Spring Clean-up Program curbside service just yet.
The Ripon City Council on Tuesday is now considering a once-a-year disposal of wanted large items that’s unable to fit into the 90 gallon containers.
The service would be conducted on a call-in request-basis only, with that window period still needing to be determined.
A special meeting is planned to iron out this program.
Council is looking at strict guidelines on acceptable items following problems with the previous spring clean-up program that was around for over 15 years.
“The dumping was totally out of control,” Councilman Leo Zuber said.
He was referring to the unsightly appearance of the curbside garbage along the Ripona area, in particular, on Gilbert Avenue and East Milgeo Road.
Director of Public Works Ted Johnston pointed out that a good number of residents were not following the curbside rules of the previous program.
“Instead of placing only large items, they were placing general garbage, sometimes even loose trash, causing issues with the collection and sometimes creating sanitary issues,” he said.
Other problems included illegal dumping and growing complaints of scavengers sifting through the trash – many who were also suspects for some of the front yard thefts, according to Johnston.
“We need to re-educate people on this service,” Councilman Jake Parks said.
This is a far cry from the proposed plan of having an annual drop-off event in which the residents would self-haul a limit of two truckloads of acceptable items only to Ripon’s Corporate Yard beginning on the third Saturday of each May.
Elected leaders, who were leaning towards this option at the February meeting, received little fanfare on this plan.
Council agreed, 3-2, that no stiff fines would be assessed  those who are not in compliance with this new curbside option. Councilman Dan de Graaf and Vice Mayor Mike Restuccia – both voted no – were in support of enforcing some sort of penalty.
Staff also offered up discontinuing the program without any modification as an option.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.