City, county plan joint cleanup in August with free drop‑off and roll‑off dumpsters

City public works staff briefed the commission on a proposed joint city‑county community cleanup planned for the week of Aug. 4–9 that would place rollaway dumpsters at four secured locations inside Junction City and offer voucher access to the transfer station for bulky items such as tires and appliances.

"Part of the initiative plan is to have 8 rollaway dumpsters provided throughout the city, at 4 designated areas ... also 2 dumpsters would be provided at public works for items such as tires and appliances," Christopher Schrankest, director of public works, told the commission.

Staff said the proposed cost would be split 50/50 between the city and the county; the estimate provided was roughly $200 per 40‑foot rollaway and about $64 per ton of trash, though staff said some vendors had suggested a possible lower rate near $62 per ton. The plan would also include a voucher system allowing residents to pick up letters at the municipal building that grant free entry to the transfer station during the cleanup week.

Public outreach would use the city website, Facebook, flyers and possibly water‑bill inserts or door hangers; staff said the new public information officer, expected in July, would assist with publicity. The county is considering including the Everbridge alert app for broader notice. Volunteers coordinated with parole/volunteer groups were discussed to help residents who need assistance moving large items to the dumpsters.

Commissioners asked about exclusions; staff said demolition and construction debris would not be accepted in the program, and normal curbside trash schedules would remain unchanged. Staff asked the commission to authorize continued coordination with Gary County; the item will return for formal approval with a budget update.