Lynn imposing fines for no trash cans

LYNN – Determined to rid Lynn of its thriving rat population, city officials are playing tough with landlords whose tenants put out the trash for curbside pickup in plastic bags instead of the required barrels with lids.Health Division Director Maryann O’Connor said the city issued 2,327 citations for trash violations between April 1 and Sept. 30. The tickets were sent to the landlords, not the tenants, she explained.”They were mostly warnings, but repeat offenders were fined $300,” O’Connor said. “The current ordinance says trash outside the building, no matter whether it’s in the backyard or at the curb ready for pickup, must be in a metal or heavy-duty plastic trash barrel with a tight-fitting lid.”The ordinance applies to single-family homes as well.O’Connor said an information brochure highlighting provisions in the city’s trash ordinance was mailed to all property owners with the last property tax bill.”This ordinance has been in place for a while. Some people finally realize it when they get the ticket. It gets their attention,” she said.She noted that on-scene municipal health inspectors photograph the violation, transmit the image via cell phone to the Parking Department and leave behind a paper copy on the premises.”The Parking Department collects the fines,” O’Connor said. “Until the changes go into effect, violators can contest the fines in court.”First-time violators are issued a warning under the current ordinance and second offenders receive a $300 fine, but the law is undergoing revision.City attorney James Lamanna said the Law Department has drafted a new trash ordinance that contains a graduated fine scale. The initial warning is followed by fines of $50, $100, $200 and $300, respectively, he said.A $300 fine is the maximum a city can impose under state law for a trash violation.The City Council Ordinance Committee, with Ward 3 Councilor Darren Cyr as chairman, will review the draft and make recommendations before scheduling a public hearing on the changes, Lamanna said.O’Connor said several problem addresses are owned by out-of-town landlords or by those who simply ignore the law. Among the addresses where one or more fines of $300 have been imposed this year are 68 and 138 Williams Ave., 61 Vine St., 1 Stephens St., 13 Sewall St., 273 Essex St. and 394-396 Eastern Ave.”We have been all over the city,” she said. “Some of the people were not aware of the ordinance. Right now the city picks up trash at multi-unit buildings with six or less apartments. It’s the landlords’ responsibility to provide trash barrels for all those apartments, so six units would mean at least 12 trash barrels.”Lamanna said a provision in the revised trash ordinance would reduce the maximum number of apartments from six to four units when determining eligibility for municipal trash pickup.”If the building has more than four units, the landlord will have to arrange for private trash collection,” the attorney said.Property owners who fail to pay the fine or otherwise resolve the matter could find that the amount has been added to their property tax bill, Lamanna said.Gardiner Street resident Ellie Barrett e-mailed The Daily Item to say an elderly friend recently received a ticket for putting out her trash in a plastic bag.”I just couldn’t believe it,” said Barrett.She explained that she called City Hall only to learn of the trash ordinance and official efforts to address the rodent infestation.”For the past two weeks I have seen more trash bags on the sidewalk on trash day. I’m wondering if 75 percent of the people of Lynn know this new rule. I didn’t. And I feel bad for people who might have to pay $50 like my neighbor.”Barrett on Tuesday acknowledged that her neighborhood near Veterans’ Village has a rat problem.”I put my plastic bags inside a barrel,” she said. “I certainly understand why the city wants people to do that, but they should make sure everybody knows the law.”