To the editor:

Last Thursday I was one of many who took advantage of the city’s compost sale. The public works folks do us all a great service with these sales and contribute significantly to the beauty of our city’s lawns and gardens. Much thanks go to the folks who provide this service and handle the enthusiastic response smoothly, cheerfully and efficiently.

However, I received a bit of shock when I returned for a second load and was informed by the city staff that the police had complained about spillover from compost loads on the streets and warned they were issuing $135 littering citations. When I returned on Friday to pick up a load for a sick friend, I was again warned about the possible citations. I asked the city worker what was going on; after all, this is a city-conducted distribution. They agreed with my opinion that the police were being ridiculous and told me the director of public works had spoken to the police chief but got nowhere.

A few thoughts: First, even with a covered load, some spillover is unavoidable when you cross railroad tracks (or hit one of our many potholes!). Second, this is dirt; the city spreads sand on the streets every time it snows — what’s the difference? Third, the dirt will wash away with the next rain, so what’s the problem? Finally, who do the police work for and why didn’t the mayor or city council tell them to back off?