JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The City of Jamestown will not be holding a Citywide Clean-up in 2021.

Last year, the program was cancelled due to flooding concerns and COVID-19. Sanitation Foreman Shawn O’Neill reports that staff worked 14,000 hours collecting bulk items curbside in 2019 and cost an estimated $367,876 to the city.

Councilmember David Steele reported that the city did not budget for Citywide Cleanup in 2020, citing the budget shortfall that Jamestown faced.

Because of this, Steele stated they were seeking adjustments to still allow city residents to dispose of unwanted items as before. O’Neill stated they would consider extending city baler hours for the week and there would be no cost for the amount brought out to the baler.

City Administrator Sarah Hellekson added that one inequity during Cleanup Week was that only those in single family dwellings could participate in the curbside pickup.

It was mentioned that Bismarck and Fargo were able to do a curbside pickup program, but O’Neill stated that they rely on volunteers and more to complete that.

A motion was made to move the consideration of extending the hours of the City Baler for clean-up and drop-off May 10th through the 14th with no recommendation to the city. The motion was unanimously approved.

Later, Sanitation Foreman O’Neill gave some information on a proposed bulk pickup pilot program in the city. He says this would be utilized by those who have no way of hauling their stuff to the baler year round.

Stickers could be placed on large items to indicate it needs to be picked up by city crews. O’Neill says they would offer tickets for $5 per item. The program would be tested and be available for all city residents.

Steele added he liked the idea and recommended it be tested before rolling out officially.

Councilmember David Schloegel added his agreement, especially with Citywide Cleanup changing in 2021.

The committee unanimously approved to pilot the program beginning June 1st.