Description

Today, I was very concerned cleaning with no help from the city. Called the city and spoke with a few departments. Then got the phone number for Solid Waste which the woman that answered was very helpful and understanding, she gave me info that I was not aware of.. Two City helpers where sent down to finally help which is appreciated. A Code Enforcement Officer showed up as I'm on the phone. When off the phone, I explained the issue to him and what it was causing for my business, customers, other business owners and of course visitors to Gallup. He then in turn told me that I would be Cited for the trash and required to be seen in Court for the trash and that I must pickup the trash to make sure I wasn't cited. Then that I must call to get a locked dumpster. The dumpster's were all tipped over throughout the entire alley but I was being told that because I placed the complaint that I would have to clean up the mess. At this point, I'm concerned and had to hire people to help me quickly because we had a short time frame to clean up. My office doors locked and closed for business for over two hours to clean up the mess. Not only has this caused me to loose business for the morning and upset customers but also cost me money that had to be paid to get help. I and other business owners were only issued a Notice but in all actuality there should have been an offer to help and not an immediate want to send me to court. The local downtown business owners, including myself are getting sick of the dumbster tip overs and dumping of trash in our alleys. This has caused flying trash, paper and debris left and pilling up in front of our business', under vehicles, flying in the faces of customers. Us and our employees are picking up the trash every other day. Not only is it unsanitary, but very distasteful to look at. We request and ask for the City's help and sometimes we get a response but we have to keep calling to get any help at all. In the 10 years I've been down town we repeatedly have the same problem. Can we get help? What can be done? The dumpster turn over must stop. Trash dumping in the downtown alleys must stop. The trash pickup needs to get more frequent possibly. I know not everything can be resolved but some help in this would be much appreciated. I/We love our city, it should look clean and welcoming. This trash issue is not helping our city, local business owner, employees or visitors. Something must be done. Thank you for your time and efforts.