Amsterdam Mayor Ann Thane is taking a personal interest in cleaning up the city of Amsterdam.

As in many upstate municipalities, the former Rug City has plenty of derelict houses and there are frequent complaints to city officials and local media about trash and debris on properties around the town.

In an appearance of WVTL’s Valley Talk with Sam Zurlo and Mike Mancini, Mayor Thane said she tours the city regularly and tries to get property owners to clean up their messes.

One Sunday, a constituent called Thane’s home complaining of garbage strewn in front of a residence on Trinity Place. Thane grabbed some garbage bags, went to the home in question and told the young man who answered the door that she was the mayor and to please help her clean up the yard.

Thane and the young man did so, putting the garbage in bags on the porch of the offending home.

Hear Mayor Thane explain the details of this fascinating episode of a mayoral house call by clicking here.

Incidentally, a spring cleanup is scheduled in the city of Amsterdam from Monday, April 28, through Saturday, May 3. There will be no curbside pickup. Homeowners must furnish proof of residency and may drop off bulk items at no cost that week at the MOSA transfer station on Route 5S. White goods and scrap metal will be accepted at the DPW site on Fourth Avenue and Belmont Place.

There are restrictions on what can be disposed of and fees for electronic items such as computers. For more information, call the city of Amsterdam at 842-3691.