Warner Robins tackles shopping cart abandonment with new ordinance

WARNER ROBINS — Shopping carts are useful for grocery store trips, but they can become a nuisance when taken outside the parking lot. To address this issue, Warner Robins enacted a new ordinance passed at the city council meeting on May 5. 

During the pre-council session, City Administrator James Drinkard explained this ordinance aims to reduce the blight caused by abandoned shopping carts.

“Typically for us, it’s going to be big box retail stores and large grocery stores. Folks will remove the carts from the property and leave them scattered all over the city, on private property, on public property, in the creeks, you name it, and then we’re left to deal with it,” he said.

The ordinance states that stores with more than ten shopping carts must register with code enforcement and are required to place signs on their carts and property, indicating that stealing shopping carts is a misdemeanor. The signs on the shopping carts must also include the store’s name, address, and contact information. 

Businesses are required to implement preventive measures to ensure shopping carts remain on their property. This may include using disabling devices if carts are removed from the premises. Additionally, the ordinance prohibits the operation of shopping carts on public right-of-ways.

Councilman Derek Mack asked about the city’s plans to clean up existing abandoned carts. Drinkard responded that code enforcement is currently addressing cart cleanup as they are discovered, but the ordinance aims to tackle the problem at its source.

“Code enforcement removes stuff like that all the time. The problem is we haven’t stopped the bleed, so it’s just a constant fight and they’re never going to get caught up. This is about stopping the bleed, so then we can remove the items that are there,” Drinkard said.

Police Chief Wayne Fisher added the ordinance would assist in cleanup efforts concerning homeless individuals who utilize carts to transport their belongings.

“When we take people into custody for other issues, then it becomes another property management issue that we’ll have to try to contend with on our limited space and property inventory. So it allows us to manage a lot of aspects within the blight issue,” he said.

Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said the city will communicate with businesses regarding the new ordinance. The ordinance will take effect 60 days after its adoption, allowing businesses adequate time to make necessary arrangements.

In addition to shopping carts, the city has advanced the process for new development. After being on the agenda for a second time, the council approved the annexation and rezoning of nearly 23 acres of land at 120 Kennel Drive. The Beverly J. Serles Foundation plans to build a development featuring 182 multi-family apartments, according to city documents.

Patrick stated that the ordinance did not pass previously because of access issues.

Planning and Zoning Manager Darin Curtis explained that the property is located next to Mauk Circle, with its primary access and frontage on Watson Boulevard; Mauk Circle would only have an entrance for emergency use. He also noted the apartment complex would be situated among undeveloped land or residential properties.

Drinkard explained because Watson is a state route, GDOT will make decisions regarding traffic control at the access point; however, the city can choose to implement more restrictive measures if necessary.

Mack raised concerns about flooding due to the property’s proximity to Bay Gall Creek. However, Curtis noted that the property is not designated as being in a flood zone, and the site plans must include a 25-foot encroachment buffer. 

Marshall Aiken, representing the foundation, stated that the applicant has already taken flooding into account for Bay Gall Creek, and the designs will comply with state-mandated guidelines for encroachment and wetland use.

Curtis recommended planting an evergreen tree buffer along Mauk Circle to help absorb excess light. Patrick inquired whether the buffer would consist of existing trees. Aiken responded that old trees would be removed and replaced with new, fast-growing trees.

During the council meeting, the city recognized several contributions and events. Donations to Haven Hope House from Synovus Bank and the Veterans and Warner Robins High School Chick-fil-A Leader Academies were acknowledged. 

Additionally, the city honored the Keep Georgia Beautiful Student of the Year and celebrated Economic Development Week, National Salvation Army Week, and Mental Health Month. Officer Eric Fluellen with the police department also took his oath of office during the meeting.

Council approved all agenda items.

A full livestream of the meeting can be found on the city’s Facebook page: “City of Warner Robins Government.” Supporting documents from the meeting can be found on the city’s website.

The next Warner Robins City Council meeting will take place Monday, May 19, at City Hall, located at 700 Watson Boulevard. Pre-council will start at 4:30 p.m., council meeting will follow immediately.