Special tree debris removal set for parts of south Minneapolis
The City is offering a special tree debris collection for residents in an area of south Minneapolis that suffered some of the worst storm damage this week.
Minneapolis Public Works and Park Board crews will collect large debris beginning Aug. 21 through Aug. 26 for properties in the area bounded by 2nd Avenue South and Columbus Avenue South, from 35th Street to 52nd Street. This service is for property owners clearing their property only—it is not for contractors doing work for property owners.
Here's how residents in the area can prepare downed trees and branches for collection:
- Move larger limbs, branches, and trunks to the boulevard area in front of your house. The City will pick up and dispose of these items at no charge. This service will begin Aug. 21. Please have debris in boulevards no later than Aug. 26.
- Property owners adjacent to tree debris placed on the boulevard are asked not to park vehicles near the debris, to help crews in the removal process. "No parking" signs may be posted and enforced to facilitate the cleanup operation.
- If residents have large tree debris that is located in the back of the house by the alley, call 311 to request an alley pick-up. However, please be advised that this may not be possible in some instances if the needed equipment cannot access the site.
- For property owners outside of the defined area that also have storm damaged tree debris, call 311 to request service. Crews will assess the request to see if it qualifies for this special service.
- After Aug. 26 property owners can continue to use the City's regular yard waste services to get rid of small storm debris. These services include the collection of limbs that are less than 3 inches in diameter, are cut to less than 3 feet long, and are bundled with rope or twine (do not use wire). The bundles should not weigh more than 40 pounds.
- Before clearing trees and debris make sure there are no downed power lines. Residents can contact Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999 to report damaged power lines. Xcel energy expects to have electricity restored to all homes in south Minneapolis by 4 p.m. today.
The City will be making automated phone calls to listed numbers in the affected area later today, letting folks know about the tree pickup service.
Meanwhile, City departments are continuing to address storm-related issues today in south Minneapolis. Public Works and Park and Recreation Board crews have finished clearing enough tree debris to reopen the remaining streets that were closed. However some alleys are still blocked by downed trees, and crews will continue working to clear those. Street and Sewer crews are also checking storm drains and catch basins to make sure they are clear to prevent potential flooding, and damage to sidewalks and curbs is also being assessed.
Minneapolis Police have extra patrols in the area today as a preventive measure due to the damage to some properties. Regulatory Services staff members are also out in the affected area working to ensure that tree companies and contractors are properly licensed, and building inspectors continue to do structural inspections as needed.
Residents who need to report issues related to the storm (such as traffic signal outages or street flooding) should continue to call 311, which is open until 11 p.m. tonight.
Aug. 20, 2009
Published Aug. 20, 2009