By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG -- A new regulation bans residents for leaving items such as dressers, televisions, and other give-away items on the city right-of-way overnight.

A second law passed at the City Council’s meeting Dec. 12 allows the city to remove the items and charge residents for the cost of disposal.

According to the law, items intended to be given away must be clearly marked as free.

The owner of the property “is responsible for all items and any cleanup or pickup costs associated with said items." Donated items may also only be displayed for a period of three days.

If an item sits for more than three days, the owner will be notified to comply with the law. If the owner fails to do so, removal will be performed by the city and charged to the property owner.

Repeat offenders will be assessed a fine not to exceed the cost “to manage administrative costs.”

Some councilors were concerned about the need to bring items such as a refrigerator back in each night.

Department of Public Works Director Scott Thornhill assured councilors that the law would be enforced using common sense. He said the city would remove items on a complaint basis and only after giving notice.

The measure was approved and will take effect 10 days after it is published in the city's designated paper.