Sewer smoke test
aims at odor issues

Recently the city received some calls regarding strong sewer odors near Five-Mile Corner along the force main sewer line that comes from the Sister Lakes area.
Last week a smoke test of the lines took place to see if a source could be found. The smoke test revealed that several of the original manhole covers had been removed or were loose, City Manager Kevin Anderson reports.
Anderson said Friday corrective measures have been taken which will hopefully resolve odor issues in that area.

Brush and compost
waste disposal

Effective April 2 through Oct. 19, city crews will canvass portions of the city for
the curbside collection of brush/branches and leaves/grass clippings according to the following schedule:
Ward 1: first Monday of the month.
Ward 2: second Monday of the month.
Ward 3: third Monday of the month.
Material for collection needs to be placed curbside prior to 7 a.m. on each Monday. Under special circumstances, residents may request pickup of material by calling 269/782-8200 or by sending an email to DPS_Service_Request@dowagiac.org. Please note that such requests are subject to crew workload conditions and availability, and thus are not guaranteed.
Residents are always welcome to take brush and/or yard waste (grass clippings and leaves) to the city’s compost site at any time the site is open, which is Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to dusk; and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The entrance to the compost site is at the east end of Veterans Memorial Drive in Riverside Cemetery, which can be accessed from the intersection of Riverside Drive and Hill Street.
A map showing the wards and schedule is available at City Hall or on the city’s website at www.cityofdowagiac.com.

City’s spring clean-up set for April 25

This year’s cleanup is scheduled for April 23-27. All materials should be placed
curbside prior to 6 a.m. April 25. To avoid the blighting effect upon neighborhoods, debris cannot be placed at curbside prior to April 21.
Property owners will be responsible for removal of all remaining debris after the crews have passed down their street.
Each street will be scheduled for pickup one time only.
Please note that residents may drop off eligible materials at the Electric Operations Facility, 501 South Front Street from 9 a.m. to noon during the week of spring cleanup.Proof of residency is required. A city employee will be available to assist you.
For more information on spring clean-up week, flyers are available at City Hall and on the city’s website.

Preparation
for summer paving

City crews have been involved in a number of projects to prepare street paving projects for this coming summer. Valves have been turned and various small underground utility projects are being completed now so the city is not the source for delays in paving later this year.