My name is Deborah Sewell and I have been a resident of Imperial Valley for more than forty years. I consider myself a good citizen ?– my taxes and homeowner fees are current, and I have been known to clean up from common areas scattered litter (which I do find offensive). It was, therefore, with both shock and surprise that I found a ticket from the City of Houston left on my door for allowing ?“to remain materials at the curb line for (heavy) (oversize) collection service prior to scheduled collection service time?”. Sixty neighboring households were similarly ticketed. The fine indicated is $233 for the first violation.

This unfortunate situation is the result of the city?’s failure to make the January pickup. Said materials were not remaining ?“prior to scheduled collection service time?”, but were in fact timely placed at curbside for January (first Monday) pickup. The service for January, a month with two Monday holidays, and burdened with Christmas debris (trees etc.), was understandably delayed. Unbelievably, however, instead of apologies for its ?“breach of contract?”, the city tickets its victims!

The Imperial Valley Maintenance Corporation (IVMC) has repeatedly issued newsletters announcing schedules for heavy trash and the requirement that curbside placement must await 6 PM the preceding Friday. Never have I seen a proviso that removal is necessary if pickup is not made. Nor does a cursory review of city ordinances indicate such a requirement. I intend to plead innocent. Court date: February 20, 11 AM.