Wright City residents will want to be on the lookout for leaves or trash that may hinder the flow of water on their property.At last Thursday’s board of aldermen meeting, a watercourse protection ordinance was approved that requires residents to make sure ditches or culverts on their property are clean.The city already had a similar ordinance in place, but the new language should make it clearer, officials said.The change was prompted by heavy rains in late December that caused some flooding in the Kerland Subdivision and had elected officials helping city staff remove excess leaves and branches from ditches. The flooding threatened to flood basements in the area.Mayor David Heiliger said a sewer jet machine was brought in to help clear sewer lines of obstructions.“Property owners will have to be more accountable making sure ditches are free and clear of trash, leaves,” he said. “Ninety-percent of people are good at keeping it clean, but this was a hundred-year flood thing.”The ordinance states a watercourse within a property must be free of trash, debris, excessive vegetation and other obstacles that would pollute, contaminate or significantly retard the flow of water. The ordinance applies or property owners and renters.A failure to comply with the ordinance could result in a fine up to $500 or jail time not to exceed 90 days.The ordinance was passed by a 3-0 vote. Alderman Dan Rowden was absent.Other news• Aldermen voted 3-0 to approve amending the 2015 budget for a second time. Expenses for contracted inspections was increased from $25,000 to $28,100 since more home permits were issued than initially budgeted for. Also, two line items in the street light fund was changed, with the collector’s commission increasing from $2,475 to $2,850 and materials purchased going up from $6,500 to $6,910.• The city will spend between $2,218 and $2,550 to update its code book with General Code.• An ordinance finalizing a contract between the city and Information Technologies, Inc., was approved. The company is providing data conversion services for the police department.• The board granted approval to the Lions Club to continue using a portable sign and placing it at highly visible areas in the city. The sign is used to promote upcoming events.Wright City