Last November, Selma Mayor George Evans announced the city would begin enforcing the city code, requiring residents to bag leaves that are placed on the street for pick-up. Days later, the city back tracked after complaints were filed saying the city did not provide enough notice of the enforcement.

Well, as of Tuesday, consider yourself on notice. Evans announced Tuesday, the city would begin enforcing ordinance No. 0109-04/05, requiring leaves to be bagged beginning Thursday, Nov. 1.

“This is an ordinance that must be enforced and must be followed,” Evans said. “The leaves cause tremendous problems in the storm drains, the streets, which is why such an ordinance is in place.”

According to the ordinance, enacted on April 25, 2005, residents are required:

4 All trash items capable of being containerized shall be bagged in plastic bags securely closed or tied shut and shall be placed on the curbside in front of the premises on regular collection days only by the occupant thereof. All plastic bags so placed shall be in good condition without tears or leaks and securely tied and fastened.

4 Limbs, brush, shrubbery and other wood items not capable of being bagged as provided in subsection (1) above shall be cut into lengths not exceeding 10 feet and widths no larger than eight inches in diameter. Said bundle shall be placed on the curbside in front of the premises on regular collection days only by the occupant.

4 Large bulky trash items not capable of being bagged as required by subsection (1) above or being bundled as required by subsection (2) above may be placed on the curbside in front of the premises on regular collection days only by the occupant.

“We had announced stepped up enforcement last year but it was suspended for one year after citizens and lawn service companies complained they were not given sufficient notice and that compliance would cause hardships,” Evans said. “That is why we are doing this today, giving everyone plenty of advance notice.”

Evans said leaves, limbs and brush not bagged or otherwise prepared will not be picked up by city crews and property owners could face warnings and citations from the city’s code enforcement office.