New Council member David Todd (center, District 3) along with council members Kenny Womack, Rob Hayes, Rachel Painter and Riverside Mayor Rusty Jessup. Todd was sworn in Tuesday. Not pictured is Councilman Jimmy Hollander.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, it was decided that no more spraying would take place in Riverside, effective immediately.

“We’re starting to get complaints about mosquitoes,” Mayor Rusty Jessup said at the opening of the meeting. He then asked  Jeremy Harvard, utility superintendant, to explain to those gathered why a control box on the sprayer kept the town from keeping the pesky bugs at bay.

Harvard said the control box went out, and it would cost $3,500 to retro fit. It would cost the town $6,500 to $10,000 to fix that box and continue spraying for the remainder of the summer, money the council said isn’t available.

Each drum of spray costs $2,500. The money that would normally fund the work comes from the gasoline tax, Jessup said, “and that fund is just about depleted.”

Someone in the audience asked if using tablets in standing water might be a better solution. Jessup said the town has looked into that, but added it is just not as effective as spraying. So after a motion from Rob Haynes, the council decided to cease spraying.

“Pell City quit [spraying] years ago,” Jessup commented before the vote. “Lincoln doesn’t anymore. And there are environmental concerns.” He said it seemed time for the town to get away from the practice.

Dumpster for large items

From July 14 through July 21, a dumpster will be placed behind Riverside Town Hall for people wanting to get rid of large, household items. Large items include refridgerators, televisions, washing machines or dryers.

Mayor Jessup reminded those present that the dumpster is not for garbage.