CHESTER - Members of the Chester City Council spoke out at Monday evening's meeting about the issue of freshly cut grass clippings being blown into the city's streets and causing problems with the sewer system.
"It's happening all over town. It's bad," said Steve Shuman from the city's street department.
Councilman John Woodruff explained that instead of properly disposing off grass clippings, some residents are allowing them to be left in the street where they eventually gather and clog the city's sewers.
"It goes right into the sewer and we have trouble," said Woodruff.
Woodruff explained that there is an ordinance that deals with this issue and that the city is going to have to start enforcing.
"We're going to have to start to fine," said Woodruff.
Woodruff and Shuman said that certain sections of the city's sewer system have already had to be unclogged multiple times because of the grass clippings.
Chester City Solicitor April Raines asked for Woodruff and Shuman to gather names and addresses of those residents that they feel are responsible and she would send them a letter about the issue.
Also Monday, the council announced that the city has recently been awarded two grants that will be used towards making improvements to the city building and to help curb littering within city limits.
Susan Badgley said that she had recently received a $200 check from a grant the city was awarded by Heritage WTI. Badgley said that the money is to be used to purchase "do not litter" signs to be placed around the city.
Chester has also received a $7,000 grant to be used towards improvements and upgrades to the city building.
In other business, Chester Mayor Ken Morris announced that the city has purchased a property on the city's main street that currently houses a business called Taco Huey's. The city purchased the dilapidated property with the intentions of tearing it down and bringing in a new, vibrant business. The city purchased the property for $50,000.
Morris explained that they had given the owner numerous opportunities to do something positive with the property over the course of many years, but had seen no progress. Instead of pursuing legal action, the city council made the decision to purchase the property.
The next Chester City Council meeting is May 21 at 6 p.m.
