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Heavy Trash Drop Off Scheduled for April
(posted Feb 24)
The Speedway Town Council decided not to spend $5,000 for a heavy trash
curb pickup due to possible budgetary constraints. The council voted 5-1
to return to a heavy trash drop off for April 18, tentatively at the IMS
vacant lot at 16th and Polco Streets.
Councilor Jeff Hartman preferred to have the curb pickup since it has been two years since the service was offered.
Councilor Gary Raikes reminded the council that the public can hire a private contractor or make other arrangements to haul heavy trash, instead of the town providing curb side pickup. "We are in a tight economy. In my own opinion, we need to watch our budget."
The council debated for over 30 minutes on the pros and cons of Solid Waste
Commission President Ed Stresino's proposal at the Feb 23 meeting.
Republic's $5,000 quote included collecting all of Speedway residents'
heavy trash in one day by separating the materials at the curb. He said
heavy trash curb pick up does not involve the street department like the
drop off program; however, the curbside has restrictions on the types materials
to be collected. Tires, electronics and freon appliances would be excluded.
Republic would also reimburse the town for the scrap metal collected.
Stresino said that curbside encourages participation. The 2007 curbside
pickup reported about 30% participation, compared to drop off that runs
about 10%. The reduced participation is due to residents being unable to
haul heavy items to the site.
Solid Waste Commissioner Christie Manion has tried to remedy that problem
by using volunteers to transport heavy trash. Residents pay a $20 donation,
going to Relay for Life, for the pickup service. Manion expanded drop off
collections to include freon appliances, tires and electronics. Goodwill
also received old furniture.
Stresino thought the commission had plenty of money in its budget to offer
curbside and a drop off this year until Town Manager Barbara Lawrence said
the commission's budget had been cut. The commission's budget was chopped
from $20,000 to $6,000.
Clerk Treasurer Sharon Zishka said the $6,000 was planned for two heavy trash drop offs this year. The drop off programs cost about $2,500, plus paying the street department overtime from another budget.
The council also approved the resolution to amend Area Two. Council approval
is needed for the Speedway Redevelopment Commission to develop an acquisition
list. Lawrence said properties listed on the acquisition list do not necessarily
mean they will be acquired. She described it as more of a strategy for
the SRC to be able to buy properties if they become available.
Marsha Brooks, owner of Ms. B's Sweet Supplies, said her business is on
the acquisition list. "Am I out of the town of Speedway?," she
asked.
"I didn't even think the list existed yet," Councilor Lu Hillmer said.
Raikes responded that there is a preliminary list, but he assured Brooks
he was interested in supporting her business. "Business, commerce,
retail, restaurants are a critical part of the community and we have to
build that up. We want your business."
Raikes does not favor two businesses in town because they are involved
in adult entertainment.
He contended the acquisition list will assist the redevelopment commission
with opportunities to buy properties if they end up on the tax sale list.
The final number is not in from Saturday's silent auction, but the town
estimated between $7,000 to $8,000 was raised to fund the K-9 unit and
its new dog, Butkus. Hillmer thanked Union Jack for hosting the silent
auction. Union Jack is one of the businesses listed on the preliminary
acquisition list that the SRC and Council approved.
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