The issue of litter has been a popular topic of discussion at recent Limestone County Commission meetings, and Monday was no different.

District 3 Commissioner Jason Black announced a stretch of U.S. 72 in his district had been picked up and now needs cleaning again. He thanked members of the community for their concern about the issue.

“We’ll have to continue to do it until the problem gets resolved,” he said.

Commissioners previously said part of the reason for the litter was poorly covered sanitation trucks traveling to the transfer station at 16100 BFI Lane, between Zehner and 7 Mile Post roads. Some trucks are covered by large tarpaulins, but garbage can still escape through any holes.

Commission Chairman Mark Yarbrough said he recently observed a Limestone County deputy at the transfer station asking a driver to adjust the netting on a sanitation truck.

River cleanup

On Saturday, District 4 Commissioner Ben Harrison was one of those who participated in the annual cleanup of the Elk River, sponsored by Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful and the Tennessee Valley Authority. He thanked those who participated in the effort and asked residents to dispose of garbage and trash properly.

Lynne Hart, executive coordinator of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, said 7,380 pounds of garbage was collected from the river site by 57 volunteers.

Harrison pointed out an acquaintance took two king-sized mattresses to the transfer station on BFI Lane and disposed of them for $7. He questioned why others would choose to dump large items as opposed to carrying them to the transfer station.

“If I see someone throwing stuff out, I’m going to call them out on it,” he said. “We’re going to try to put a halt to it.”

Free dump day announced

Commissioner Stanley Hill and Yarbrough urged residents to take advantage of an upcoming free dump day at the transfer station. From 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 25, residents may bring one pickup truck or trailer load of trash to the transfer station free of charge.

“If you’re going to have to haul it and dump it on the side of the road, take it (to the transfer station) and dump it instead,” Yarbrough said.

Those who bring items to the station must present proof of residency in Limestone County, such as a current utility bill. Restricted items include household hazardous waste or medical waste. Appliances containing freon must have the compressors removed or be accompanied by a certificate stating freon was professionally removed.

Other business

Elsewhere Monday, the commission:

• Appointed Jennifer White and Caroline Page to the North Central Alabama Mental Retardation Authority Board effective April 1 for a term of six years;

• Promoted Brian Coleman to Equipment Operator 3 in District 2;

• Approved a deductive change order in the amount of $1,960 due to a change in the quantity of LED lights installed at the Limestone County Jail;

• Agreed to sell a 1995 Peterbilt lowboy tractor and a Caterpillar excavator on GovDeals; and

• Transferred a 1998 Chevrolet van from District 3 to the Limestone County Board of Education.