Watertown City Council Streamlines Licensing for Garbage Haulers, Wastewater Contractors, and Gas Fitters

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council unanimously approved the second readings of three municipal ordinance amendments, shifting several licensing approvals from the council directly to administrative staff to streamline city operations.

Garbage, Rubbish, and Landfill Operations

The council passed an amendment to Chapter 11.04 regarding garbage and rubbish under Title 11 of the city's health codes. City Manager Alan Stager explained that the ordinance cleanup shifts the licensing of commercial garbage and refuse haulers to an administrative process.

The amendment also updates language on allowable waste containers and clarifies the materials the city landfill may receive.

"That's a 'may accept' and not a 'shall accept' so that we've got some leeway going forward if we do choose to change our collection practices around certain types of garbage that we do collect," Stager said.

The ordinance passed the ordinance by voice vote after Councilman Mohrmann made a motion and Councilman Peters seconded it.

Hauled Wastewater Licensing

The council also amended the city's general provisions for hauled wastewater. The primary change allows city staff to administratively approve hauled wastewater contractors, removing the requirement for an official council vote.

"This will allow us to streamline both enforcement actions as well as approval actions as we don't need to wait for a two-week council meeting cycle or hold a special meeting on a routine licensing type of item," Stager said.

Councilman Allen introduced the motion to approve the amendment, and Councilman Heuer seconded it. The measure passed without opposition.

Gas Fitter Licensing Requirements

In a similar administrative adjustment, the council approved an ordinance amending business licensing provisions for gas license requirements.

Stager noted the update addresses only the approval process, allowing staff to administratively handle gas-fitter licensure in the community without altering other operational codes.

The amendment passed by

voice vote after Councilman Schutte made a motion and Councilman Mohrmann seconded.