I don’t know about you, but I'm really starting to question the groundhog these days. I think Puxatawny Phil is falling into the same pattern as our evening weather forecasters: It seems that neither people nor large rodents can accurately predict Mother Nature.

But despite the possibility of both a chill in the air and days of cloudy skies, the calendar says that spring is here, which is always a special time in Dearborn.

Walking through our neighborhoods, it’s easy to see the hard work people put in during spring to make beautiful things grow. At City Hall, we’re doing the same things. But, our efforts are geared toward making something other than flowers grow, and that’s community pride through our Dearborn Pride program.

This will mark the 16th year of Dearborn Pride, a tradition that helps all of our residents and business owners spruce up their property.

There are four components to Dearborn Pride during the month of May. The first is our annual Clean Up Parades, a Dearborn institution. I’ll never get tired of seeing the excitement and determination on our kids’ faces as they march through neighborhoods during these fun events. While the messages on the signs they carry are important, it’s the messages they carry in their hearts long after the parades are over that are truly valuable. They will guarantee the same concern over the appearance of property that all Dearbonites share.

The second component is our Rubbish Amnesty.  This year, it will be held from May 7 through May 18.  The third component is Hazardous Waste Disposal Day on Saturday, May 19.

The last and most important component is you and your willingness to get involved to show and to grow your own Dearborn pride.

Sincerely,

MICHAEL A. GUIDO
Mayor

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Rubbish Pickup

Rubbish containers should be put out in front on the easement after 5 p.m. the night before collection or before 7 a.m. on rubbish day. Remember rubbish containers must be removed from the curb at the end of your rubbish day and stored behind the house or garage (not between the houses).

Please prepare all materials properly for speedy, efficient pickup. You must bag all your trash. Do not put loose trash in cans. Remember, all material must be set out by 7 a.m. regardless of the time it is usually picked up. Please set your trash cans separate from your yard waste and recycling containers. Thank you for your cooperation. For more information, call 943-2085.

Above containers should not weigh more than 35 pounds when set out. If workers cannot lift the container, it will be left at the curb.

Unacceptable Rubbish Containers

Home manufactured containers, grease barrels, cardboard drums, heavy plastic barrels, carts, washtubs, paper bags, etc., are not acceptable. These containers will be removed as rubbish.

Regular rubbish pickup includes furniture, box springs/mattresses, air conditioners, hot water heaters, table/chairs, and appliances (remove doors from freezers and refrigerators). Carpeting must be rolled up and tied with heavy twine, and the tied rolls must not be more than four feet in length and weigh not more than 35 pounds. Large amounts of material from moving, clean-ups, etc., are "Special Pickups" and may require a service fee. Call 943-2085. Animal droppings must be placed in doubled plastic bags weighing not more than 10 pounds.

Construction debris, like bricks, concrete, lumber, dirt and sod, requires a Special Pickup by our Highways Division. Call 943-2107. The City will not pick up more than a 5-yard dump truck load. Put the building material at the curb, then call for a charge during business hours Monday through Friday. If construction work is done by an outside contractor, the contractor is responsible for hauling away the debris.

Recycling

Recycling will only be collected from 18-gallon orange recycling bins issued by the City of Dearborn.  When full, set your bin out three feet from your outer rubbish on your regular rubbish day before 7 a.m. or after 5 p.m. the night before.  Your bin must be removed from the curb at the end of the collection day.  Remember: City-issued recycling bins remain the property of the City.  If you move, the orange bin stays with the house.

Recycling is mandatory in Dearborn.  Place only the following clean items in the recycling bin:

• Newspapers and other supplements that come with the newspapers.  Bundle with string or place in brown paper bag to prevent paper from blowing around.

• Plastic bottles with 1 or 2 on the bottom.  Discard lids.

• Glass bottles/jars (clear, brown & green).  Discard lids.

• Phone books/magazines/catalogs - bundle with string.

• Aluminum & tin cans.

• Empty aerosol cans - discard lids.

We do not recycle the following items:

cardboard, window glass, drinking glasses, junk mail, anti-freeze or oil containers, plastic bags or boxes.  Items that are not recyclable will be left in your bin.  For more information, or to order a replacement bin, call 943-2085.

Recycling your household yard waste through the City of Dearborn’s curbside collection program helps the environment. Recycling natural materials such as grass clippings, garden debris, leaves, weeds, and pencil-thin tree branches reduces the volume of materials going to the landfill.

• Put your yard waste into a 20 to 32 gallon container that has an official yard waste sticker attached to the side or to the lid. Stickers are available at all libraries, the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center or the Mayor’s Office in City Hall. Stickers may also be picked up at the Department of Public Works, 2951 Greenfield.

• Do not put yard waste into plastic bags, as they prevent natural composting. Store-bought paper landscape waste bags are fine. Do not mix in food scraps, fruit, or animal feces with yard waste.

• Place your yard waste container on the curb after 5 p.m. the day before or prior to 7 a.m. the day of your regular trash pick up. Put yard waste containers at least three feet from garbage containers to allow for faster collection.

• Bundle larger brush and shrub trimmings no longer than five feet in length or 35 pounds.

During the Fall, the City provides curbside pick up of loose leaves and leaves in paper bags. Residents can call the Leaf Collection Program hot line number, 943-2444, for a schedule of pickup dates and locations. The 2001 Leaf Collection Program will be October 15 through November 30. Yard waste, such as leaves, will not be picked up in plastic bags.

Mice, rats, skunks, and other animals sometime present a health or safety hazard to families. The City of Dearborn stands ready to help you solve any animal control problem.

The Dearborn Animal Shelter rents animal traps, and offers advice on placing traps, if one is required.  Ordinance officers will service the traps for you. For more information, call 943-2077.

You can reduce your risk of animal problems by following these guidelines:

• Keep your entire premises clean. Seal garbage in tightly covered metal containers: Don’t use containers like bags or boxes. Drain and wrap food waste before putting it into the can. Keep cans at least 18 inches off the ground and keep the can area clean.

• Clean up animal feces deposited in your yard every day.

• Store foodstuffs in animal-proof rooms and containers. Don’t store food in the garage or outside. Clean up any spilled food immediately. Don’t leave out uneaten pet food. Don’t put bird food out on the ground; other animals may get it first.

• Seal cracks or breaks in your foundation and repair holes in floors around pipes, screen doors, windows, vents and other openings into your home to prevent rodents from entering. Outside steps should be made of concrete/ masonry. Keep the space beneath wooden steps clean.

• Keep all material stored in the basement, garage or outside at least one foot off the floor. Set furniture and appliances flush with the wall or far enough away so that the space between them and the wall can be easily cleaned. Keep all areas clean.

For more information about reducing your risk of an animal control problem, call 943-2098 or 943-2099.

Rubbish Amnesty Program

May 7 - 18, 2001

This year marks the 16th anniversary of Mayor Michael A. Guido’s Rubbish Amnesty Program. All residents are encouraged to participate in this annual event.

From Monday, May 7 through Friday, May 18, on your regular trash day, residents may discard a large amount of rubbish and household items, including unwanted furniture, appliances and old tires without paying service fees or special pickup charges. All residents have two chances to take advantage of this service.

Homeowners can help rubbish haulers make this program work more efficiently and effectively by following these guidelines:

• Secure tree limbs in bundles no longer than five feet and no more than 35 pounds.

• Crews can’t haul away heavy materials such as logs, cement, bricks, sod or lumber. If you’ve hired a contractor to do work at your home, the contractor is legally responsible for disposing of the debris.

• If you’ve done some work around your house yourself and need to get rid of the waste, you can arrange a special pickup of the material by calling the Department of Public Works at 943-2085 or the Highways Department at 943-2107. Nominal fees will be applied.

• The Dearborn Police Department will tow and dispose of abandoned or unwanted vehicles year-round for free. Call 943-2259 to arrange for a removal date.

Property Maintenance

City ordinances mandate that all property owners or occupants must maintain their property, including keeping property free of litter, debris and weeds. You also must cut your grass. Any property with grass or weeds taller than 8 inches will be cut by the City of Dearborn and actual costs, plus a $75 penalty fee, will be charged to the owner.

Be "Rouge River-friendly"

In Dearborn, the Rouge River provides us with a natural setting not usually found in a developed suburban area. The river is a benefit to our quality of life, but in turn, it presents us with a responsibility. It is especially important to prevent common household, lawn care, pet and vehicle contaminants from entering the river through storm drains. Your actions can help Dearborn comply with its State of Michigan Voluntary Stormwater Pollution Prevention Permit.

Here are some easy steps to follow to be "Rouge-friendly"

• Wash your vehicle on your lawn, where grass can absorb polluted wash water. Or even better, go to a car wash.

• Repair your vehicles only in areas where leaks and spills cannot flow toward storm drains, or even better, take them to a mechanic.

• Clean up animal waste before it rains. Bag it and throw it in the trash or flush it down the toilet.

• Don’t use your hose as a broom. Don’t wash or sweep debris, spilled or leaked materials into storm drains.

• Use paving materials that are porous when installing driveways, walkways and patios, or slope them toward vegetated areas.

• Properly dispose of household hazardous wastes. In Dearborn, a special collection day is set for May 19. (See information elsewhere in this brochure.) Use non-toxic alternatives when possible.

Household Hazardous Materials Disposal Day

Saturday, May 19, 2001

Dearborn’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day takes place from 8 a.m. to noon at the Transfer Station, 2651 Greenfield, 271-8177. Dispose of common household items at no cost at the City of Dearborn Transfer Station, located at Butler and Greenfield Roads. Items that can be disposed of include materials not allowed in your regular trash, such as bug spray, antifreeze, asphalt sealer, batteries, bleach and cleaners, oil-based paints. pesticides, chemicals, and poisons.

Tires, explosives, reactive and radioactive materials, and regulated electrical transformers will not be accepted.

Motor oil is accepted year-round at the transfer station. Latex paint can be placed at the curb for regular rubbish pickup after it has been dried out. Fill can with kitty litter or other suitable absorbent.

Graffiti & Vandalism Tip Rewards

A $100 reward will be paid to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person spraying graffiti, or committing other acts of vandalism, within the City of Dearborn.

If you spot vandals in action, call the police immediately at 9-1-1. If you have information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of vandals, call 943-2240.

Please remember that City ordinance requires parents of children caught vandalizing property to pay for all damages and clean-up costs.