1. Josh Ramirez, CPM Director of Environmental & Health Code Compliance

2. “Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem, How the City of McAllen is Approaching the Issue of Illegal Dumping and Solid Waste”

4.  TCEQ: Illegal dumping is a problem across the nation and the state: In the most common form of illegal dumping, people dump waste at a remote location or on an abandoned  property instead of in a landfill. There is no typical illegal dumper—it can be anyone.

6.  Is this illegal dumping?

7.  Is it placement or illegal dumping?

9.  So we know what the problem is.  How do we fix it?

10.  Do you know your tools in your tool box?  What laws do you use? Other sources? ◦ TCEQ-RG-455: Illegal Dumping, A guide for local governments. ◦ Texas Health & Safety Code: Chapter 341 Minimum Standards of Sanitation and Health Protection ◦ Texas Illegal Dumping Resource Center web page.  http://www.tidrc.com/laws.html http://www.tidrc.com/laws.html  Do you have a specific city ordinances?

11.  City of McAllen – Code of Ordinances  Code enforcement officer. The term "code enforcement officer" means an employee holding a position designated in writing by the city manager to enforce the city ordinances, and who is licensed or certified by the state for code enforcement

12. Sec. 1-16. - Enforcement of code violations by city code enforcement officers. A code enforcement officer is authorized to enforce any and all of the provisions of this Code through such means as making inspections, giving notice of violations, issuing citations and filing charges with the city attorney.

13.  The City of McAllen has 20+ dedicated officers to Code Enforcement.  Is this enough?  We have over 18,000 enforcement cases to date.

14.  No! Officers are not enough.  Cameras?  http://www.krgv.com/ videos/mcallen-tries- to-curb-illegal- dumping/ http://www.krgv.com/ videos/mcallen-tries- to-curb-illegal- dumping/

15.  Cameras? Not enough.  Citizen and Civic Organizations Participation?  Regular Project Clean Neighborhood Clean-ups?

17.  The City McAllen created a Call Center.  Calls were getting lost.  One number, one location. 681-3111  Quick response, and the right connection.  www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=T5xr8IS1veM www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=T5xr8IS1veM

18.  The City of McAllen continued looking for solutions.  Implemented a Mobile App. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N- BSL0zuVvU

19.  Give citizens the tools they need.  Try them all.  Empower the citizens to take ownership of their city.

20.  Our Citizens  Our Volunteers  Everyone working towards the same goal.  Take pride on cleaning your neighborhoods.  Take ownership!

21.  Its’ our region!  Lets make it beautiful!

22. Thank you!