COUNCILMAN’S CORNER
I’m sure you’ve heard quite a bit about the recent City Council debate regarding whether to purchase bins for residential trash pickup in Fort Wayne. After a fair amount of discussion City Council voted 9-0 for the city to switch trash pickup from the current system to a semi-automated system using bins. The benefits of these containers include portability, as well as, less trash on the streets and in the alleys than with the current system. Citizens will be able to request either a 96 gallon or smaller 48 gallon container and all garbage, as well as, yard waste can be placed in the bins. At the door pickup will be available for individuals who have a serious medical condition (there’s an application process). Hundreds of thousands of dollars will be saved and lots of strained backs will be prevented over the several year life of the contract since trash pickup will be semi-automated. In other words, the lifting of containers—which can weigh up to 300 pounds—will be done by the lift device on garbage trucks, not by employees. Our garbage and recycling hauling rates are very competitive with other similar cities in the Midwest.
A $10 million bond to upgrade city parks and greenways during the next 3 years is also being considered by City Council. This bond will open the door for lots of matching grants from foundations, governmental agencies, etc., which will give our great park system, and our greenways, a big boost. A final vote will probably be taken in a couple of weeks although the vote may be delayed until a new Park Department Director is appointed.
I’ve had a few calls recently from citizens concerned about the new fuel tanks being installed at the new service station under construction at the intersection of Winchester Road and Bluffton Road. They’re worried about the fact that the tanks are near the new housing project in the same area. I’ve checked with the fire inspector who signed off on this project—he tells me that the project meets national as well as local fire safety codes.
Enjoy the 3 Rivers Festival and the TRF parade beginning on Saturday, July 9th! Give me a call with any concerns or constructive suggestions regarding our fine city. Also be sure to call or email me again if you don’t receive a quick reply from yours truly since some messages don’t make it to my telephone or email inbox.
Tom Hayhurst
City Councilman
4th District
432-8418
tom.hayhurst@verizon.net
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