County introduces pickup for tree debris

Feb. 23—With warmer weather melting the ice, which entrapped Madison Countians and those in Kentucky the past week, county crews are still recovering from the winter storm.

But as the slush melts and residents are getting things under control, many have called the Madison County Road Department to report extensive tree debris in their area.

Because of this, the Madison County Government announced the County Road Department would launch a Winter Storm Debris Removal program.

According to officials, the program will be part of a reimbursable event coordinated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to respond to the Emergency Declaration declared by Judge-Executive Reagan Taylor on Feb. 10, 2021.

"Without a doubt, this year's winter storm took a toll on many Madison Countians with large amounts of property damage, most of which was in the form of downed trees," said Judge-Executive Reagan Taylor in a release. "We are pleased to be able to provide citizens with an option for curbside tree removal thanks to funding through FEMA. As I am sure everyone can appreciate, the curbside program requires extensive coordination as well as compliance with the federal laws, so we ask that citizens be patient with our staff as they work to address everyone's pickup needs."

Scott Shepherd, the road department director, stated to have debris picked up, residents must schedule an appointment in advance.

Calls to make appointments will be taken in three rounds and depending on the round selected, that will determine the citizen's pickup window, he said.

The first round is available for scheduling beginning Feb. 25 through Mar. 12. For those who schedule during this time, the pick up of debris will run from Mar. 15 through Apr. 1. However, the debris must be at the curbside on the start date of Mar. 15, in case residents are the first to be picked up in their round.

The second round of scheduling dates will begin Mar. 13 throughout Mar. 31, with pickup dates beginning Apr. 5 through Apr. 15. The date the limbs need to be set out is Apr. 5.

Lastly, the final round will be scheduled for Apr. 1 through Apr. 15, with pickup starting on Apr. 19 and running through Apr. 29. Debris should be placed by the curb by Apr. 19.

"Everyone did an outstanding job, and I really greatly appreciate your all's efforts," Judge Taylor said. "It is untelling how much cost this put on the county having three storms in a row."

To receive the pickup services, county residents must follow several FEMA guidelines, including:

The address must be located in the county's unincorporated areas (if a citizen is unsure if they reside in the county or not, visitwww.madisoncountyky.us/map).

The address must be a residential property (no commercial properties will be accepted).

Debris must be accessible from the road or curb. County employees are not authorized to leave the County right-of-way to retrieve debris on private property.

All debris must be present on the first day of the Pickup Window.

Residents can schedule only one pickup for debris. Once the debris is picked up, no additional appointments or pickups are scheduled at that address.

The debris pickup area must be cleared of all vehicles, mailboxes, and obstacles.

Debris is defined as natural tree debris (trunks, limbs, and branches).

Pickup appointments will be taken from Feb. 25 to Apr. 15, 2021, either via the County's website at www.madisoncountyky.us or by contacting the Road Department's Solid Waste Division at 859-624-4709.

For those who would like to burn their debris, Chief Sandlin of the Madison County Fire Department asked they call the control burn hotline at 859-624-4776.

Other business:

—The second reading of Ordinance 2021-01 was approved, refinanced a General Obligation Bond in the amount of nearly $7.5 million to finance construction on county buildings to make them more energy-efficient. Judge Taylor assured this would not be taking funds from the county which were not already being spent.

—The first reading of Ordinance 2021-02 was approved for a land-use regulation change to allow event venues (weddings, events, social gatherings) under conditional use for zones UC7 (urban corridor), RC7 (rural corridor), C7 (community), and R7 (rural) for commercial purposes. Officials stated this was to clean up regulations and restrictions.

—The Madison County Fiscal Court approved a resolution to purchase a new service truck bed from Tempco Inc. in the amount of $97,398. This new truck comes with a welder, compressor, generator, and crane. It will replace a 27-year-old truck which will bring in revenue of $15,000 to $25,000.

—The fiscal court went into executive session for personnel matters. Upon returning from the executive session, Brandon Chitwood was suspended from the next three shifts without pay.