Fewer residents took part in this year’s Spring Citywide Cleanup, but city officials still call it a success.
At their regular meeting Tuesday night, the Shenandoah City Council unanimously approved Shenandoah Sanitation’s report for the event held May 15–17, authorizing payment of $20,514.32 in expenses.
According to Kelsey Bergeson, Shenandoah Sanitation's customer service representative, 668 vehicles came through this spring, down from 802 last year. She credited the decline in part to the company's monthly bulk pickup days, which she says are helping to distribute waste disposal throughout the year.
Bergeson also said the company’s recent route changes and updated postcards highlighting the bulk pickup option may help reduce the need for large-scale events in the future.
Mayor Roger McQueen echoed the sentiment, pointing to last fall’s smaller-scale event, which drew 322 vehicles, as part of a strategy to prevent residents from accumulating excessive junk between cleanups.
Breakdown of daily participation for the spring event:
- Thursday: 189 vehicles
- Friday: 246 vehicles
- Saturday (4-hour window): 233 vehicles
Also at Tuesday’s Council Meeting:
- Three volunteer firefighters were approved: Madison Dickerson, Jonah Chandler, and Jack Campbell.
- The city’s water ordinance was amended to allow polyethylene pipes as an alternative to copper.
- The council approved fiscal year 2025 fund transfers to general, debt service, and capital improvement funds.
- An agreement with Morton Township for fire and emergency services was approved for a three-year term beginning July 1.
- A public benefit event permit was granted for KMA’s 100th anniversary celebration on September 27, including street closures on North Elm Street.
- The council ratified salaries and wages for all city employees for fiscal year 2026, as set in the approved budget and union agreements.