The West Windsor Township Council voted Monday, November 6, to raise its fine for those who put their leaves out on the curb too early from $1,000 to $1,250.
Township Attorney Michael J. Herbert explained that the fine in this case would only be applied to “serious, repeat offenders.” He said in order for the township to seek the maximum fine, it would issue several letters and warnings for previous instances.
The township is facing a difficult situation concerning the pick-up of leaves. The state mandates that the township fine offenders of the stormwater ordinance, which states that residents should not take their leaves to the curb for pick-up earlier than one week before the date of the scheduled DPW collection.
While council members expressed sympathy for residents who find it difficult to comply with a law that allows them only one weekend per month to rake leaves, the township is obligated to comply with the statute.
Councilman Charles Morgan offered one solution: “I suggest that the township change its schedule for pick-ups to start on a Saturday. While the DPW won’t be required to work on a Saturday, the seven-day window would give residents two weekends to put their leaves out to the curb, which should make it better for them than the one week allowed by having our scheduled pick-ups start on a Monday.”
Councilman Franc Gambatese, who is a manager at Lowe’s Home and Garden store, offered another idea. “Everyone should start composting. The way it’s going, the township might not always be picking up the leaves. It’s a good idea to start doing this now. It’s good for the environment and it’s good for the lawn. If you want to know more about it, feel free to ask me.”
