Jackson stiffens trash fine for nonresidents

JACKSON, Mo. -- People who deposit in a solid waste container trash belonging to a nonresident are subject to a fine of not less than $500 and-or 90 days in jail in the city of Jackson.

An amendment to the City Code passed Monday night by the Jackson Board of Aldermen increased the fine from a minimum of $5 to a minimum of $500 in an attempt to prevent the city's free garbage collection system from being abused.

Mayor Paul Sander said some residents are putting out 20 bags of trash for collection, and officials know some of the trash is being brought in from outside the city.

"The citizens of Jackson are being taken advantage of," Sander said.

The provision also extends to major appliances.

The city also made it unlawful to put garbage in any solid waste container in an attempt to avoid paying a service charge.

The fine for this infraction is not less than $5 and not more than $500 and-or 90 days in jail.

Church locations

In other business Monday, the board amended the City Code to allow churches to locate in residential districts. The City Code previously allowed churches to locate in residential areas only with a special-use permit.

The Rev. Marie Stoner, pastor of the Jackson Congregational Methodist Mission, spoke in favor of the change. The pastor said her church at 529 W. Main is looking for land and wants to locate in a residential area.

City engineer Dan Triller announced the closure of Shawnee Boulevard between Old Cape Road and East Main Street and the closure of Hope Street between Florence and Mary beginning Wednesday. The closures are necessary because of the city's street resurfacing project.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182