Mark Swarthout is Public Works Director, and can be reached at 507-356-8545. If you wish to go to the City Shop, it is located at 510 3rd Ave.NE.

The Pine Island Public Works Department is in charge of city streets and roadways, and additionally the sewer and water utilities for the City. They also maintain the city parks. 

The department is also in charge of monitoring grass height, weed overgrowth, and bushes or trees that interfere with sidewalks or streets as outlined in City Ordiance 63, Section 7.09, subd. 3-A & B and subd. 4 and Section 11.70, subd. 9 of the City Code, as listed below.  If any of these are noted to be a problem, somebody from the department will contact the property owner asking that the problem be resolved in a timely manor.

SEC. 7.09, Subd. 3-A & B

A.     Every owner of property under two (2) acres abutting any street shall in all areas of the city shallcause the grass and weeds not to exceed to a height in excess of six (6) inches.           

B.     In properties over two (2) acres grass shall not exceed twenty (20) inches.  Except in front yards of said properties where grass height shall not exceed six (6) inches.                             

D.   Any tree whose branches are closer than 14 feet above the surface of any street, or 8 feet above the surface of any boulevard or sidewalk         

SEC. 10.42 Subd. 1

A  Debris piles of metal, wood, concrete, noxious weeds or other materials are considered hazardous conditions and a nuisance. 

SEC. 11.70, Subd. 9

C.      The screening required in this subdivision may consist of a fence, trees, shrubs, and berms, but shall not extend within fifteen (15) feet of any street or driveway.  The screening shall be placed along property lines or in case of screening along a street, twenty (20) feet from the street right-of-way with landscaping  between the screening and pavement.  Planting of a type approved by the Council may also be required in addition to or in lieu of fencing.    

SEC. 7.09, Subd. 4 & 5

Following service of this notice, if you fail to comply, the City will complete such work and assess the costs against your property.  Mowing $40 or more plus a $200 administration fee.