Pet stations will aid curbside pickup

City officials are calling on a few good pet owners — or hygiene lovers. The cause? So-called “animal waste courtesy stations.”

Dozens of the stations — essentially a post that dispenses biodegradable plastic bags — are scheduled to be installed throughout the city as officials seek out volunteers to man restocking needs and keep vigilant for possible vandalism. The city would provide the baggies.

The stations will also be installed in neighborhoods that see frequent dog walkers and not be limited to parks.

“We get occasional complaints from neighbors who have people walk in their neighborhood and don’t clean up after their pets,” said Sam Engel, the city’s Neighborhood Services administrator. “We can’t be up there walking behind everybody and admonishing them every time their animal does something.”

The animal waste station was co-opted from a similar program in Charlotte, N.C. — a frequent top competitor in the jostling to be rated as America’s most beautiful city by the nationwide program, “Keep America Beautiful.” Engel said Glendale frequently competes with Charlotte, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Cobb County, Ga.

“In order to be competitive with that, we need to be looking at different things,” Engel said.

As more waste is collected, less of it enters the storm drain, which helps the Public Works Department keep pollutants out of the storm system, Engel said.

The stations cost about $200 to be installed.

During a city-sponsored animal vaccination clinic last month, 17 people volunteered to adopt after learning about the service. The first station was to be installed Wednesday at 347 N. Stocker St. near the intersection with North Columbus Avenue.

“Hopefully they become so popular — similar to what happened in Charlotte — that we’ll be putting them up wherever we need them,” Engel said.

To volunteer, call Neighborhood Services at (818) 548-3700.