HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.24.2000COUNCIL WORK SESSION
April 24, 2000
4:15 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Anders, Jordan, Krizek, Gronen, Getty, Berry, Murphy.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Gronen that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Murphy. Motion carried.
The spring yard waste pickup was discussed. Dick Grimm, Superintendent of Sanitation &
Recycling, presented a proposed plastic bag service with call -in and no fee. The department
would still request calls before service to help routing crew each day, but there would not be a 50
cents per bag fee. Mr. Grimm anticipates that there will be less than 200 service calls per day.
Mr. Grimm noted that it is late enough in the year that people are mowing yards and most people
who rake have already done so, but some have saved material hoping they could get by without
paying for the service. Mr. Grimm noted that if the requests are as light as he anticipates we can
handle the service with the regular crew by juggling schedules and programs. There will be no
extra money required from the budget. Actual salary costs would be about $3,845.00, disposal
cost of $100.00, and equipment cost of $765.00 for a total cost of approximately $4,710.00 for
one week of service. Mr. Grimm recommended that the service be provided the first week of
May starting on May 2, 2000. Mr. Grimm asked that citizens be required to call at least 24 hours
before their normal garbage day. Bags will be picked up on the normal garbage day.
Councilperson Getty stated that he received a lot of calls and letters from citizens wanting the
spring yard waste program. Councilperson Gronen stated that he only received two calls, but he
is concerned that the city avoid illegal dumping by providing this service. Councilperson Gronen
commented that he proposes that we use the Mayor's DOIT line, and he recommends that citizens
be required to call at least 24 hours before their normal garbage day.
Councilperson Getty asked if one week would be long enough, and Mr. Grimm stated that the city
normally does two weeks but he does not feel there will be that many calls. Councilperson
Anders stated that he does not think one week will be enough time, that we will need one week of
advertisement and start picking up the week of May 8, 2000.
Murphy now present at 4:25 p.m.
Councilperson Krizek stated that she disagrees with waiting an extra week, that we should
announce the yard waste program tonight and start the week of May 1, 2000.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Gronen that residents call 291-DOIT, leave their address at least
24 hours before normal garbage day, and the city will pick up the yard waste on the normal
garbage day at no charge starting on May 2, 2000.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Elaine Balk, 122 Kingbard, stated that this is the nicest city council she has ever lived in. The
council wants to do all these services. Ms. Balk stated that she has lived in other cities and has
never had free services before. Ms. Balk stated that it is a waste of the Sanitation Department to
spend $100,000, and there are other options. Ms. Balk stated that the price for the bags might be
a little high. Ms. Balk stated that she composts and others could compost or drop leaves off at
the landfill. Ms. Balk stated that she has lived in Des Moines, California and Phoenix and these
communities are composting.
Councilperson Anders suggested that the city try picking up yard waste once a month. Mr.
Grimm stated that if green grass is put into a bag, it turns into manure. Councilperson Krizek
suggested having the program one month in the spring, a week in the summer and a few weeks in
the fall.
Council Work Session
April 24, 2000
Page 2
Following discuss a vote was taken on the above motion with the following result. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Jordan, seconded by Gronen that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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