The Mineola City Council beefed up the city’s ordinances dealing with leaves, brush and limbs Monday.

William Crump, public works director, said the city had problems last year with residents leaving leaves, brush and limbs in the street.

Leaves would wash down storm drains and clog them. Though the city has an ordinance directing residents to leave these items behind the curb, it has no “teeth,” Crump said.

The updated ordinance will give city staff the authority to issue warnings, and if necessary, fines for piling brush, limbs and leaves in the street, which can also be a traffic hazard.

The ordinance also requires brush and limbs to be cut to 36 inches or shorter for pick up.

City Manager Mercy Rushing said most cities Mineola’s size don’t offer brush service. But thanks to a Meredith Foundation grant, the city was able to acquire a brush chipper.

Crump said the larger limbs are hard on equipment and crews.