Frustrated by Service from Waste Management, City Recorder Matheny Calls for Exploration of Taking Over Municipal Waste Pickup; Council Backs Her Request
By Jeff Toquinto on January 12, 2015
- Re-appointed Joe Coughlin, Meredith McCarthy and Sam Spatafore to the Bridgeport Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and the recently formed Harrison County Economic Development Corporation. The new corporation would have a full-time director appointed to it by a board running it. The entity, as the name suggests, would represent Harrison County. The unique caveat with the new board is that membership to it varies in cost from $500 to $2,500. The vote was 5-1 with Council member Darrell Bowen voting against it as he felt the buy-in would favor the public sector members and the larger government agencies.
- In a related move, Council approved a budget revision by a 4-2 vote to contribute $25,000 to the newly formed organization. Bowen voted against it as did Council member John Wilson. Wilson’s objection was that the money was earmarked for July 1, 2015, which is the upcoming fiscal year as opposed to the current one.
- A second budget revision, approved 6-0, involved the Greater Harrison County Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. The Task Force can now make their administrative assistant a full-time position. The employee’s salary will be covered by the Task Force. Also as part of the revision, a $21,250 High Intensity Drug Traffic Area overtime grant was given the green light and will be figured into the budget as a revenue and expenditure.
- Haws reminded those on hand the city will be closed Jan. 19. The city will observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
- Haws also pointed out the new high speed internet project is progressing nicely. He said today’s warm weather allowed for work on installation to continue.
Perhaps if the city streets were cleared in a more timely fashion, Waste Management could operate more efficiently. When the streets are cleared, the trash bins are buried. Dont be so fast to critize Waste Management when the city isnt doing its job!
Posted by Dee Horne
Jan. 17, 2015 at 9:44 AM EST
Way to go Melissa - I don't think you need to look far to find supporters of that initiative, starting with our City Clerk :). In today's business climate, you either provide a quality product/service WITH quality support, or you get left behind. If that service were more competitive, it would have happened long ago. I'm sure our City staff and Council will make an informed decision.
Posted by Benjamin Randolph
Jan. 13, 2015 at 8:45 AM EST
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