City to offer free tire dump day

BENTON — Benton city officials are taking precautions against the Zika virus outbreak, offering a free tire recycling day later this spring.
A date for the tire recycling program has not been set at this time as local officials work out details to find a vendor that will pick up the tires and a suitable location where tires can be dumped on a concrete pad. An early May date is being sought by city officials.
Mayor Fred Kondritz said the city will offer the service free to the public and the city will absorb the cost to the vendor.
"The biggest reason we're doing this is because of the Zika virus," said Kondritz. "It's in the U.S. now and from what I hear when you talk to people in the mosquito killing business, the fog doesn't kill the virus. It will kill some of the mosquitos, but we have to stop the breeding and one of the top places for mosquitos to breed is in tires."
The Zikia virus outbreak began about a year ago in Brazil and has spread to other countries. The virus is spread by mosquitos. According to Wikipedia, one in five Zikia virus infections result in Zika fever, a minor illness that causes symptoms such as fever and a rash. In the U.S., nearly 300 travelers have been infected with the disease.
Kondritz said citizens will have the opportunity to take advantage of the free tire dump day. Afterwards, the city will levy fines for those that abandon tires on their properties.
"We have an ordinance … you shouldn't leave old tire out in your yard. They collect moisture, which is a breeding ground for mosquitos. It's just a cycle," Kondritz said.
"If people don't respond they are in jeopardy of being fined. This is serious enough we will fine people if they don't take care of the tires."
Kondritz says he has nothing against people keeping their tires, but they should keep them indoors and out of the weather.
"If you want to keep them, put them in a plastic bag and seal the bags and put them in a garage, shed or building where moisture can't get to them," he said.
One citizen inquired during Monday night's meeting if businesses — especially tire businesses — would be required to meet the city's new standards.
"Tire businesses already have a contract with the same type of people we will use to pick up the tires. They (business owners) aren't the ones creating the problem and hopefully they won't create a problem," the mayor said.