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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Household Waste

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  • Household waste containers are provided by the City of Le Mars and are issued to each residence within city limits. Contact City Hall if you do not have a container.
    Household Waste

  • There is no limit to the number of household waste containers one residence can have; however, a fee for each container will be charged on your city utility bill.
    Household Waste

  • You may schedule an additional residential trash or recycling pick-up by contacting Van’s Sanitation at 712-548-4644. A charge of $7 will be included on your city monthly billing statement for this service. There is also a recycling dumpster located north of the fire station for your convenience.
    Household Waste

  • Please view the
    Household Waste

  • Collection starts at 5 a.m. Solid waste should be set out the night before. Pickup can be as late as 7 p.m. Containers are to be removed by residents from streets or alleys no later than 24 hours after collection.
    Household Waste

  • Yes. All residential units are charged for solid waste services unless all utility services are terminated and the meter is removed. Individuals with special circumstances may petition the Utility Board in writing to have certain charges waived.
    Household Waste

  • There will be no collection on a designated holiday. All collections will be moved back 1 day following the holiday. If the holiday falls on a Monday, normal Monday collection will occur on Tuesday; Tuesday collection will occur on Wednesday, Wednesday collection will occur on Thursday, and Thursday collection will occur on Friday. Normal pick up will resume the following Monday.
    Household Waste

  • Appliances and larger items can be taken to the Plymouth County Landfill during regular operating hours for a fee, which will be charged on your city utility bill. Some items may require a $10 per item demanufacturing charge. Items included are air conditioners, microwaves, washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, fluorescent lights, hot water heaters, furnaces, dishwashers, dehumidifiers, ranges, ovens, trash compactors, and other cooling units.
    Household Waste

  • Yes. The city declares an amnesty from the landfill disposal cost, therefore, up to 1,000 pounds per household of throw away material delivered to the landfill will be paid by the City of Le Mars and not billed to the household. The city will not be picking up the items at curb side; therefore, do not place items in front of your house at the curb side. Only residential properties can participate, not commercial or industrial. Each residential household must make their own arrangements for hauling waste to the Plymouth County Landfill during this amnesty period. They can do the hauling themselves or use friends, neighbors or any hauling firm of their choosing.
    Household Waste

  • This includes but is not limited to paints and thinners, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, batteries, fertilizer, fuels and oils. Please call the Plymouth County Landfill at 712-546-6071 to make an appointment.
    Household Waste

  • Tires must be individually hauled to the Plymouth County Landfill site at the residential household’s expense.
    Household Waste

Recycling

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  • Large Recycle Bins for excess cardboard and/or recycling items is located behind Fire Station #1 on 1st Avenue SW (between the Fire Station and Hardware Hank).

    Recycling

  • Yes. The City of Le Mars has a mandatory recycling program for residential customers located within city limits (this does not include businesses or apartments).
    Recycling

  • Residential households must place recyclable materials in a 95-gallon blue recycling tote issued by the city and/or blue recycling bag.
    Recycling

  • The 95-gallon blue recycling totes can be obtained free of charge by contacting City Hall. Your name and address will be placed on a list and a tote will be delivered to your residence when time allows. Blue recycling bags may be purchased and are available at City Hall, Hy-Vee, and Fareway.
    Recycling

  • There is no limit to the number of blue recycle totes a residence can have.
    Recycling

  • Yes. A combination of both is allowed; however, it is not necessary to place materials in a blue bag in the blue tote. Blue bags can simply be placed next to the blue tote.
    Recycling

  • Recycling pick up service is provided every other week opposite the household trash pickup (see schedule below - magnets are available at City Hall for your convenience). Place recycling tote/bag in the same location you place the household trash tote on the same day your regular household trash is picked up every other week.
    Recycling

  • Please view information for rural households on the
    Recycling

  • Please view the
    Recycling

  • DO NOT RECYCLE containers with traces of hazardous materials. DO NOT RECYCLE dirty or food stained paper. DO NOT RECYCLE Plastic Grocery/Shopping Bags, Plastic Trash Bags, Glass, Clothing or Shoes!  These items should be put out with your regular trash.

    Recycling

Yard Waste

4

  • Residential yard waste collection can be contracted separately through Van’s Sanitation at: 

    VANS SANITATION

    1553 18TH ST SW 

    LE MARS IA   51031 

    712-548-4644

    INFO@VANSSANITATION.COM

    Yard Waste


  • Yes, The City of Le, Mars Yard Waste Disposal Site is located at the Riverview Ball Complex off Highway 3 W. Site is open every Saturday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Wednesday from 1:00 - 6:00 PM April 1st through November 30th (1:00-5:00 PM on Wednesday's after daylight savings time ends).  No containers, boxes or bags allowed.  Trees, brush, and yard waste must be separated and piled in the proper area of the drop off site.

    Items ALLOWED at the Yard Waste Disposal Site include:  leaves, lawn clippings, garden waste, shrubs, stump grindings, bushes, and tree limbs not longer than 14 feet. If bags, boxes, or containers are used for transporting the yard waste, they must be emptied out and removed from the disposal site. Stump grinding materials MUST be kept separate from other tree debris and will be dumped in with the grass and leaves. Please follow the signs for directions.

    Items that are NOT ALLOWED at the Yard Waste Disposal Site include stumps with root balls, tree limbs over 14 feet long, construction materials, concrete, bricks, dirt, garbage, furniture, appliances, and other household waste. 

    The Yard Waste Disposal Site is for LE MARS RESIDENTS ONLY.  Non-resident use of the site is NOT ALLOWED. 

    The Yard Waste Disposal Site is monitored and recorded by security cameras. Rules for use of the dump site are posted. All violators will be charged with a minimum fine of $300 for ILLEGAL DUMPING. No warnings will be issued. 

    There will be no curbside pick-up of twigs and branches by the City.  The City will conduct cleanup of downed branches after major storms, as needed.  All branches must be put next to the curb.
     
    Twigs, branches, and grass will also be accepted at the Plymouth County Landfill during normal operating hours.

    Yard Waste

  • You can take yard waste to the Plymouth County Landfill during regular operating hours for a fee that will be charged on your city utility bill.
    Yard Waste

  • If you operate a commercial yard waste business you can utilize the Riverview Ball Complex drop off site by obtaining an annual yard waste license at City Hall. A license fee is set annually by the City Council. The site can be utilized the entire calendar year with license renewal January 1 each year.
    Yard Waste

Police Department

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  • City of Le Mars parking fines should be paid at the Police Department. All other traffic fines should be paid at the
    Police Department

  • Ambulance bills should be directed to Le Mars City Hall, 40 Central Avenue SE, Le Mars, Iowa 51031. For more information, call 712-546-7018.
    Police Department

  • Open burning is prohibited by city ordinance. You may apply at City Hall for a temporary permit to burn.
    Police Department

  • Dogs are considered to be at-large if they are off the premises of the owner and not confined or under the control of the owner or responsible person. Dogs that are considered at-large shall be impounded.
    Police Department

  • There are police officers on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a phone in the lobby of the police station. It rings directly to a dispatcher, who can direct an officer to assist you. If you are near a phone and have an emergency to report, dial 911. For all other non-emergency calls, call 712-546-4113.
    Police Department

  • It is unlawful for any person, other than a peace officer in the discharge of official duties, to shoot or discharge any firearm, air gun, BB gun, slingshot, bow or other weapon in the city.
    Police Department

  • You may obtain a copy of an accident report by mail or at the front desk of the Police Department. There is photocopy fee for each report.
    Police Department

  • Anytime you have an emergency you should dial 911. Other non-emergency or routine calls should be made to 712-546-4113 or the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office at 712-546-8191.
    Police Department

  • Any vehicle, trailer or mobile home that is left parked on a street or alley for a continuous period of 48 hours or more may be impounded. On certain streets, and as posted, all night parking is prohibited. Trucks, truck-trailers, lowboy trailers and mobile homes are prohibited from parking on any public street or thoroughfare within the city during the hours from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., except for loading or unloading purposes.
    Police Department

  • For more information regarding odd/even parking, visit the
    Police Department

Water Department

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  • Your local water utility has a process in place to alert you if any problems exist with your tap water. However, if you have special concerns, you should feel free to contact your local utility. The phone number of your local water utility is 712-546-5555. LeMars Water Department also has an Annual Water Quality Report and Water Quality Reports that include how your utility treats water to safeguard your health, and other water facts. These reports can be found in our
    Water Department

  • The LeMars Water Department is required to notify their customers if their water may not be safe to drink. Prompt customer notification is an important part of our emergency plan. The LeMars Water Department may issue "boil water or do-not-drink notices" when testing indicates that contamination may be present. Often, this boil alert will be broadcast on local television or radio station.

    Some utilities employ a system that automatically call its customers with specific guidance, or they go to door-to-door if it is an emergency situation. Contact the Le Mars Water Department at 712-546-5555 for more information.
    Water Department

  • Water will not usually change color if something is wrong. Slight color changes usually do not indicate a serious water problem. For example, a color change could result from minute quantities of iron in your water. This can occur immediately following a flushing of the distribution system. Sometimes dissolved air escaping from the water will cause bubbles that make water look cloudy. In either case, nothing is wrong with the water quality. Both are safe to drink.
    Water Department

  • Most contaminants are detected by sophisticated testing conducted by your water utility on a regular basis, and not by taste and odor.

    However, some contaminants can be detected by smell, and if you have a concern about how your water tastes or smells, stop using it and contact the Water Department at 712-546-5555 immediately.

    Your utility has been testing the water for a wide range of contaminants for years to ensure that you and your family have plenty of clean, safe drinking water and will continue to provide these safeguards.
    Water Department

  • The Environmental Protection Agency has set strict quality standards that all tap water must comply with. Bottled water is not held to these same standards. Drinking bottled water is a matter of personal choice. However, if you've never had a problem with your tap water, there's really no reason to start drinking bottled water now.
    Water Department

  • Storing an adequate supply of potable (drinking) water is always a good emergency preparedness idea. Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, even power outages can interrupt the flow of water. Depending on your personal circumstance, you should store enough water for no less than 3 days and no more than 14 days.

    The average American household uses an average of 2 gallons of water each day for drinking and cooking. To determine your exact usage, conduct a 2-day test measuring the water you use to drink, brush your teeth, and cook. Don't forget kitchen cleanup.

    Store the water either in new containers or containers used to store drinking water. Do not use discarded milk containers. Make sure the containers are airtight. Store them in a cool location and change them every few months to keep the water fresh.
    Water Department

  • Yes, it is always wise to have an adequate supply of drinking water on hand.
    Water Department

  • If you are 1 of the approximately 21 million people in the United States who use a private well water, you are responsible for the testing and quality of your water. Contact your local department of health to determine where your water can be tested. You can also contact the
    Water Department

  • Water plants, storage tanks, towers and other utility facilities are located throughout your community. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity around these facilities. If you see something unusual, contact the police immediately. Also be aware that everyday activities may contribute to the health of your drinking water.
    Water Department

  • Be aware of any alerts, notifications, or boil water orders issued by your water utility. Minimize water use and discontinue tap water use drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth. You should use stored water for personal and consumption needs.

    If a boil water advisory is issued, boil your drinking water vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes. Aerating the water from 1 container to another (vigorously pouring back and forth) or adding a tiny pinch of salt may improve taste.

    If you have a compromised immune system and require sterile water, place water in a pressure cooker for 15 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Water Department

Convention and Visitors Bureau

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  • No, you may not bring in any alcohol. All alcohol must be purchased through the bar. It is suggested you contact the bar manager a minimum of 1 month prior to your scheduled event to make arrangements for bar service. Their contact information is located on the back of your rental agreement.

    Note: no person under the legal drinking age of 21 will be permitted to purchase/consume alcohol. If they are found to be in possession of alcohol they will be asked to leave. It is advisable to inform everyone attending the event to have proper identification available or they will be denied service. This includes every member of the wedding party – absolutely no exceptions will be made.
    Convention and Visitors Bureau

  • Per FC 2009, no open flames shall be allowed. This includes candles, smoking material, lighters, matches or any pyrotechnics. The only open flame allowed is a food pan warming device for buffet lines.
    Convention and Visitors Bureau

  • Yes, only caterers that are licensed through the City of Le Mars are authorized to provide service at the Le Mars Convention Center and Willow Creek Golf Course. If there is another caterer you would like to use, they will have to complete the licensing process and pay the licensing fee. There are no exceptions to this rule.
    Convention and Visitors Bureau

  • Round tables are 60 inches in diameter and the banquet tables are 8 feet long.
    Convention and Visitors Bureau

  • No, we do not provide linens.
    Convention and Visitors Bureau

  • The convention center dimensions are: Upper - 112 feet by 64 feet, totaling 7,168 square feet with a ceiling height of 9 feet, 6 inches Lower - 112 feet by 64 feet, totaling 7,168 sq ft with a ceiling height of 9 feet, 1 inch to beams and 11 feet, 5 inches between Board Room - 40 feet by 32 feet, totaling 1,280 square feet Harker's Room - 25 feet by 32 feet, totaling 800 square feet
    The Golf Course Banquet Hall measures 70 feet by 50 feet, totaling 3,500 square feet, with a ceiling height of 13 feet (peak) and 8 feet (sides).
    Convention and Visitors Bureau

  • The renter is responsible for setting up and taking down all tables and chairs at the Le Mars Convention Center and Willow Creek Golf Course.
    Convention and Visitors Bureau

  • Yes, the city offers set up and take down service for $25 per hour, per city worker. This service needs to be scheduled a minimum of 1 month prior to your scheduled event through Jessica Brownmiller, Convention and Visitors Bureau Manager, at 712-548-4971.
    Convention and Visitors Bureau
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