At the March 23 meeting of the city council, Bill Hanson, Waste Removal & Recycling, proposed the use of a central location drop point, the cement plant next to Mill Creek Park, for the 2026 city wide cleanup.
Items were to be brought to the site during specified times. A proof of Chatfield residency would be required. Hanson noted the use of a central location instead of curb side pickup will provide a savings for the city of about $6,000.
Councilor Mike Urban maintained some residents will not have the means to take things to a central location. Hanson said if someone cannot deliver to a central location because they are elderly or for another reason, they can go to the curb and pick it up for them. Hanson reported that Chatfield is the only town left that continues to offer curbside pickup.
Councilor Josh Broadwater insisted a central location for pickup will not be fair for every single resident; some almost feel curbside pickup is an amenity provided by the city. People may not be aware of the change. Broadwater continued, saying it will be hard to get started with a central location pickup, maybe it will be a good idea for the future.
Mayor John McBroom said the change will be noted in the city newsletter with a city bill; people should know.
Councilor Paul Novotny explained he had received a fair number of calls asking if there could be an open comment period; numerous people want to keep it the same with curbside pickup. Novotny insisted if “it’s cheaper” is the only reason for the change that is not a good enough reason by itself. Urban suggested it could result in more people storing this kind of waste outside on their property, like next to their garage.
Hanson said the biggest difficulty with curbside pickup is labor; it is hard to get the necessary labor. Tonnage seems to increase every year. It may take a couple of weeks to remove all the waste off the curbs.
Councilor Pam Bluhm insisted, “We should not have to pay to get rid of stuff for people that remodel.”
A motion to change to a central location for 2026 failed. Novotny, Broadwater, and Urban voted no. Bluhm and Frank voted for. Citywide cleanup with curb side pickup will be after the citywide garage sales in early May.
McBroom suggested that the issue be brought back next year. Broadwater added that “we should plan for it ahead of time.” City Administrator Michelle Peterson said it should be discussed at the next Committee of the Whole meeting.
Other Business in Brief
- Brian Burkholder requested approval to purchase a mower to be used at the wastewater treatment plant; it will also be used to assist with other mowing as needed. Approval was granted to purchase a Ferris zero turn mower from Hammel Equipment at a cost of $9,600. Urban voted no.
- Approval was granted to appoint Jeremy Lonien as the seasonal mower for 2026. He first filled this position in 2024.
- Approval was granted to be able to implement new software for swimming pool management, including switching vendors. Beth Carlson said a few capabilities will be added; they are in the middle of testing now.
- Broadwater reported the Park & Recreation Committee discussed removing older, poor condition trees along the cement plant and the replacement of those trees with new trees.
- Peterson noted city staff had attended the 2026 League of Minnesota Cities Day on the Hill to detail their legislative priorities.
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