4/25/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DUMPING OUTSIDE OF FELLSMERE TRANSFER STATION Chairman Macht opened a discussion regarding letters and phone calls he has received complaining about trash being dumped outside the transfer station and on other private property in the Fellsmere area. He spoke with Sheriff Wheeler and they have made some arrests, but the problem is very widespread and the Sheriff cannot guarantee a comprehensive solution. Director of Utility Services Terry Pinto emphasized that this is a continuing problem with people just ignoring the fact that the station is closed. He felt that if the County prosecutes those who dump outside the gate, they will just dump further down the road. If the County is going to prosecute illegal dumpers, there should be an effort throughout the area, not just concentrated on the transfer station. Commissioner Adams commented that we have tried to reopen the station on a 7 -day basis but she is not sure that would work either. She agreed that if you arrest the violators, the problem is simply being transferred to public works and the violators will go down the road and dump the trash in a canal, on the side of the road, or in the commercial bins. She suggested, as a temporary solution, that the Board consider providing a small dumpster outside the gate for use after hours and on the days the station is closed. Commissioner Bird wanted to know what difference there would be between providing a dumpster outside the gate and leaving the gate open, and Commissioner Adams responded' that hazardous materials are stored inside the gate. Commissioner Tippin stressed that he has a great deal of difficulty with changing the rules because someone does not like the rules. He facetiously suggested that we might as well make the speed limit 70 MPH on Indian River Boulevard because so many people exceed the speed limit and we need to accommodate the speeders. He emphasized that he has no sympathy or patience with citizens who cannot tolerate the regulations and decide to dump their trash on the road or other public or private property. He does not agree with accommodating the violators in any way, shape or form and would like to see them caught and fined. Chairman Macht agreed with Commissioner Tippin and commented that in our country we've gotten to the point where we just declare that we can't enforce the law so we just let it go. It'has gotten so pervasive that people feel free to set off a bomb just to give vent to their frustrations. In his opinion, if a citizen is so poor an organizer of his or her life, and so inconsiderate of their neighbors and fellow citizens that they will not adjust their BOOK 94 PAGE 969 APRIL 259 1995 25