This week is an encore edition of Your Questions, where we resurrect questions and answers from the past to address some of the questions you’re asking today.
Mosquito program specifics
What, exactly, does the City spray in neighborhoods to kill mosquitos? I’ve heard it’s made from a flower and requires quite a process to apply.
The City uses Permethrin, which is a derivative of the chrysanthemum flower, in its mosquito control program. It does require certified technicians to mix and apply, and there are conditions associated with the application. For instance, it may not legally be sprayed when it’s raining or when the wind is blowing more than 10 mph.
The chemical is lethal to bees and other pollinators, which is true for most, if not all, chemicals used for mosquito control. Because of this, bee keepers are encouraged to contact the Public Works Department to have their property placed on the “no spray” list. The sprayer is turned off when the truck passes by these properties.
The City’s mosquito control program is an effort to reduce mosquito populations and mosquito-born disease, such as West Nile Virus. The city is divided into 10 sections and two sections are sprayed each evening, weather permitting — generally between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight — allowing for the entire city to be sprayed every five days. Spraying begins in early summer, when mosquitoes become active, and ends when the temperatures drop, typically around October.
For questions and concerns about mosquito spraying inside the city limits, call 918.338.4150. For more information, see Mosquito repellent and Mosquito bite prevention.
For more information about the City’s mosquito control program, see Mosquito Control Program: Costs, Revenues, etc.
Mow now (or pay later)
What is the procedure to have a lot in a neighborhood that has eight-foot tall grass to be mowed?
Step 1: File a complaint with the Community Development Department’s Neighborhood Services Division.
Step 2: A code enforcement officer will will verify the complaint.
Step 3: An officer will send a courtesy letter giving the property owner a 10-day notice to bring the property into compliance. If it is not, the City will abate the property.
Step 4: The City will bill the owner for all work completed.
Note: Hearings are no longer held on cases involving tall grass, weeds, trash, junk or rubbish.
To file a codes violation complaint see www.cityofbartlesville.org or call 918.338.4230.
Garage sales: Permit not required
I was reading up on garage sales in town and was inquiring if I read things correctly. I do not see where we are required to have a permit to have a sale. Is this correct?
No permits are required to hold a garage sale. Some restrictions do apply, however, including the following:
- Two garage sales may be held during a three-month period and may be no longer than three and one-half consecutive days per sale.
- Up to four garage sale signs are permitted, two on the property where the garage sale is being held and two off-site on private property to provide direction to the garage sale. Regarding garage sale signs that are placed off-site, approval from the abutting property owner is required.
- Garage sale signs may not be attached to telephone poles, utility poles or street signs. Signs are also not permitted to be placed in street islands or street medians.
- Residents who post garage sale signs are responsible for removing them after the sale is over. Failure to do so could result in a citation being issued to the occupant of the property where the garage sale was held, requiring his/her appearance in municipal court.
Landfill coupons mailed February/March
Can landfill coupons be acquired anytime?
Coupons permitting a free trip to Osage Landfill are mailed to City of Bartlesville utility customers in February/March each year. If you did not receive your coupon or have lost it, you can obtain one at the cashiers station on the first floor of City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave., between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The coupon is good for one free trip to the landfill anytime before Dec. 31. Only residential accounts are eligible; no commercial accounts or contractors are permitted. One coupon is issued per customer and may not be duplicated.
The coupon is part of the City’s “Clean-up” campaign and is intended to help residents dispose of items typically too large or cumbersome for weekly trash collection. Residents may take their items to Osage Landfill during regular business hours, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
For questions or more information, see www.cityofbartlesville.org or contact the Public Works Department at 918.338.4131.