COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 1, 2009 7:00 P.M.
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WAS GIVEN BY ALL IN ATTENDANCE.
PRAYER WAS GIVEN BY PASTOR CHRIS HEYWARD, BETHANY TABERNACLE.
MAYOR SMALL OPENED THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL.
ROLL CALL:
SANDY YORK PRESENT
ANGIE GOODMAN PRESENT
JAMES KIDD PRESENT
MARY MALONE PRESENT
MARK KOGER PRESENT
VAUGHN REID PRESENT
RICHARD HAHN PRESENT
MAYOR SMALL SAID HE HAD TWO CERTIFICATES OF MERIT TO PRESENT TO CRAIG STANDISH AND TERRY RANDALL FOR SAVING THE LIFE OF CHRIS GERARD ON MAY 7, 2009.
LORI GERARD, WIFE OF CHRIS, CAME TO THE PODIUM TO EXPRESS HER SINCERE
APPRECIATION TO CRAIG STANDISH AND TERRY RANDALL FOR SAVING HER HUSBAND'S LIFE AFTER THE CAR/MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT HE WAS INVOLVED IN. SHE SAID THESE TWO MEN STOPPED AND TOOK ACTION.
CHRIS GERARD SAID HE OWES HIS LIFE TO THESE TWO MEN. THEY GAVE HIM CPR UNTIL THE FIRST AID UNIT ARRIVED.
TONIGHT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT MR. AND MRS. GERARD MET GRAIG STANDISH AND TERRY RANDALL. APPLAUSE WAS GIVEN; HAND SHAKES AND HUGS WERE EXCHANGED.
TERRY RANDALL THANKED THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL FOR THE CERTIFICATE. HE THEN THANKED CRAIG FOR HIS WILLINGNESS TO HELP SAVE THIS LIFE. HE ALSO THANKED THE NEW CASTLE EMS, LIFE LINE AND THE POLICE THAT RESPONDED THERE. ALL WERE AWESOME. HE THANKED HIS FAMILY AND EVERYONE WHO WAS INVOLVED IN HIS E M T TRAINING. HE ALSO THANKED BILL HUFFORD FOR THE NICE ARTICLE IN THE COURIER TIMES.
MAYOR SMALL ALSO HAD TWO ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATES, GIRL SCOUT CERTIFICATES. THEY ARE GETTING THE GOLD AWARD WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO THE BOY SCOUTS EAGLE SCOUT.
SAMANTHA WHITTON AND ANNALEZA JONES WILL BE GIVEN THE ALTERNATE GIRL SCOUT AWARD VERY SHORTLY. HE WANTED TO HONOR THEM ALSO.
MAYOR SMALL READ A PROCLAMATION," WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES."
MAYOR SMALL PROCLAIMED JUNE 1, 2009, AS A WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES DAY IN THE CITY OF NEW CASTLE AND URGE ALL CITIZENS TO PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATION OF AWARENESS REGARDING SEXUALIZED GENDER VIOLENCE.
RESOLUTION:
AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF DR2 APPLICATION TO THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND ADDRESSING RELATED MATTERS WAS READ BY SANDY YORK.
PRESIDENT YORK MOVED TO PASS THIS RESOLUTION. COUNCILMAN KIDD: SECOND
DISCUSSION:
COUNCILMAN REID ASKED WHAT THIS GRANT WAS FOR.
ANGIE PAPPANO, KENNA CONSULTING, SAID THERE WAS AN AREA, LOCATED IN THE NORTH EAST AND WEST OF THE CITY. THE DRAINAGE NEEDS IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE ALONG TROY AVENUE AND INNSDALE DRIVE, NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF 12TH STREET AND WOODWARD AVENUE, 14TH STREET AND WOODWARD AVENUE, 15TH STREET AND VINE, 16TH STREET AND ALONG EDGEMONT, SUNNYSIDE ADDITION.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THIS WAS FOR THE STORM WATER SEPARATION RELATED.
COUNCILMAN KOGER ASKED WHEN THE SURVEY DONE.
MAYOR SMALL SAID ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO.
COUNCILMAN KOGER ASKED AT WHAT KIND OF COST WAS THE SURVEY.
MS. PAPPANO SAID PROBABLY UNDER TWO THOUSAND. SHE SAID THAT AREA CAME IN AT 52.6% LOW INCOME. SHE SAID THIS APPLICATION WAS FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS. SHE SAID THE PROJECT SHOWS COMING IN AT 1.3 MILLION. THIS IS A ONE TIME OPPORTUNITY.
THE CITY'S MATCH WILL BE $360,979.00.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THE MATCH AMOUNT IS WHAT WE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO SPEND UNDER THE LONG TERM CONTROL PLAN. THIS IS GETTING US STARTED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. WITHOUT THIS GRANT, WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT OUT OF THE STORM WATER FUNDS.
COUNCILMAN KIDD ASKED ABOUT THE AREAS MENTIONED.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THAT THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS INVOLVED ON THE LONG CONTROL PLAN; IT WAS A MATTER OF FINDING SOMETHING EQUAL FOR LONG TERM.
ROLL CALL VOTE: SEVEN VOTES AYE. PASSED AND ORDERED.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
COUNCILADY GOODMAN ASKED ABOUT THE PURCHASE OF THE TWO GARBAGE TRUCKS THAT WAS IN THE COURIER TIMES LAST WEEK. SHE ASKED HOW THEY WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED AND HOW THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE TRASH CANS, IS THIS THE ONLY TWO TRUCKS THAT WILL BE PURCHASED?
MAYOR SMALL SAID THESE WERE GOING TO BE THE ONLY TWO. HE SAID WE ARE BACK FITTING ONE OF OUR PRESENT PACKERS AS A THIRD BACK UP. THE COMPANY WHO IS PROVIDING THE TRUCKS AND TOTTERS WILL BE ASSISTING US IN DESIGNING THE ROUTES. THE TRUCKS ARE BRAND NEW. THE FLEET THAT WE HAVE NOW IS GETTING OLD AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THESE TRUCKS WILL BE USED FOR RESIDENTIAL USE ONLY.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID HE KNEW THE TRASH MEN ALSO HELP WITH THE SNOW IN THE WINTER. DO WE HAVE A PLAN FOR THE WINTER? HE SAID HE HEARD THAT THE CITY PULLS 15 TO 20 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN OVERTIME DURING STORMS. HOW IS THAT GOING TO WORK WITH THE STAFFING YOU WILL HAVE?
MAYOR SMALL SAID IT WAS GOING TO BE TIGHTER BUT WE WILL BE COORDINATING TO A DEGREE WITH THE CEMETERY AND PARKS DEPARTMENTS TO ASSIST US IN THAT. WITH THE MAJOR CUTBACKS IN OUR BUDGET, WE CAN'T EXPECT EVERYTHING TO BE EXACTLY AS IT WAS BEFORE. IT COULD TAKE 2 DAYS TO CLEAN WHERE IT TOOK 1.
COUNCILADY GOODMAN ASKED ABOUT THE BUNDLED ITEMS. IS THAT GOING OK?
MAYOR SMALL SAID COMMISSIONER AYERS IS GETTING DOZENS OF PHONE CALLS EVERY DAY.
COUNCILMAN KIDD ASKED WHERE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THESE TRUCKS WILL COME FROM.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THE GENERAL FUND. WITH THE SAVINGS OF NOT HAVING AS MANY PEOPLE.
COUNCILMAN KIDD ASKED IF THOSE PEOPLE WILL BE PLACED SOMEWHERE OR LAID OFF. WILL THEY GO TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS?
MAYOR SMALL SAID ACCORDING TO THEIR SENIORITY, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO BUMP OTHERS. WE DID NOT HAVE A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF BUMPING IN THE LAST LAY OFF. HE SAID WE ARE GOING TO BRING BACK ONE LAID OFF PERSON NOW. THERE IS A POSTING FOR A PACKER NOW AND IT WILL BE OFFERED TO ONE OF THE LAID OFF PERSONS.
COUNCILMAN KOGER ASKED WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IF YOUR TRASH CAN IS STOLEN. IF YOU ARE RELYING ON ONE TRASH CAN, AND JOHN DOE DOESN'T HAVE ONE, AND HE STEALS YOURS, HE ASKED IF HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THAT?
MAYOR SMALL SAID IF THE TRASH CAN WAS STOLEN, WE WOULD REPLACE IT.
ATTORNEY COPENHAVER SAID THERE ARE A LOT OF QUESTIONS.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID HE UNDERSTOOD BUT THE COUNCIL HAS NOT HAD ANYTHING WRITTEN DOWN AND GIVEN TO THEM. WE ARE THE ONES THAT GET THE QUESTIONS. HE SAID DO I WANT TO SIT HERE AND TALK ABOUT IT, NO. IS IT OUT OF MY HANDS, YES.
ATTORNEY COPENHAVER SUGGESTED THAT SEVERAL TAKE A TRIP UP TO MUNCIE OR SEYMOUR WHERE THEY HAVE THESE SYSTEMS AND SEE WHAT PROBLEMS THEY ARE HAVING.
COUNCILMAN KOGER ASKED WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU HAVE TO MUCH TRASH TO PUT IN THE ONE. A FAMILY OF FOUR CAN'T FIT THEIR TRASH IN ONE CONTAINER IN SOME WEEKS, ESPECIALLY AT CHRISTMAS TIME, BIRTHDAY PARTIES OR ANYTHING. IS THE TRASH GUY GOING TO GET OUT OF HIS TRUCK AND PICK UP IF WE HAVE SOME SITTING ON THE SIDE OF THE CAN? OR JUST LEAVE IT.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THAT A LARGE FAMILY CAN ALWAYS BUY ANOTHER TOTTER. THEY ARE LARGE.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID HE KNOWS THEY ARE LARGE. THERE ARE A LOT OF UNANSWERED QUESTIONS. HE SAID HIS FIGURES SAY IT COULD POSSIBLY SAVE US $200,000.00. AT THE MOST. TOPS.
MAYOR SMALL SAID IT WILL BE GIVING US NEW TRUCKS THAT WE WOULD BE BUYING IF WE DIDN'T HAVE THIS PROGRAM.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID, BUT THEY ARE LEASED. YOU STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE MAINTENANCE. IF IT ONLY GOING TO SAVE US TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS, HE JUST COULDN'T SEE IT. THAT WAS HIS OPINION. IF WE WERE TALKING MILLIONS, ABSOLUTELY.
COUNCILMAN KIDD SAID HE COULDN'T SEE LOOSING THAT AMOUNT OF JOBS. APPLAUSE WAS GIVEN BY THE AUDIENCE.
MAYOR SMALL SAID IF IT ISN'T THESE SEVEN JOBS, IT WILL BE SOME OTHER DEPARTMENT.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN HIT PRETTY HARD. HE SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW HOW MUCH MORE THEY CAN TAKE. LIKE VAUGHN SAID, COME NOVEMBER, NOBODY FROM THE CEMETERY OR PARKS ARE GOING TO BE ON A SNOW PLOW.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THEY HAVE IN THE PAST.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID THAT IS FOR OVERTIME.
COUNCILADY GOODMAN WANTED TO KNOW WHERE THE COUNCIL WAS ON THE DISCUSSION AND THE CREATION OF COMMITTEES AS FOR USER FEES FOR TRASH?
COUNCILMAN REID SAID HE MADE HIS THOUGHT CLEAR. HE SAID HE HATED THAT WE MIGHT HAVE TO CHARGE FOR TRASH PICKUP. WE COULD POSSIBLY MAKE A PROFIT OF $35,000.00 A YEAR. THERE IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE MORE LAYOFFS NEXT YEAR. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE SOME KIND OF PLAN FOR THE EMERGENCY SERVICES. HE SAID HE KNEW THE MAYOR DIDN'T WANT TO CUT INTO THOSE BUT REGARDLESS IF WE WANT TO OR NOT, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE SOME HITS THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS.
MAYOR SMALL THE EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE TAKING THEIR HITS.
COUNCILMAN KIDD ASKED WHAT IF WE IMPLEMENT THE USER FEE, WOULD THAT SAVE THE JOBS OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING TO BE LAID OFF NOW?
MAYOR SMALL SAID IT WOULD HELP SOME OF THE JOBS.
COUNCILMAN REID ASKED ABOUT ALLEY PICKUPS AND HOMES THAT DO NOT HAVE ALLEYS. IF WE START IMPLEMENTING THESE ROUTES AND WE FIND OUT THAT ONE PERSON REALLY CAN'T DO THE JOB BECAUSE OF ALL THE ISSUES, PARKED CARS AND THAT SORT OF THING. DO WE HAVE A BACK OUT CLAUSE? WHAT HAPPENS IF SOME PEOPLE NEED TWO DUMPSTERS SINCE WE DON'T HAVE GOOD RECYCLING CAPABILITIES? THERE GOES ALL OF OUR COST SAVINGS. DO WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO HAVE THIS A TRIAL AREA THAT DOESN'T HAVE OFF STREET PARKING OR DOESN'T HAVE AN ALLEY, TO MAKE SURE IT IS GOING TO BE PRACTICAL.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THAT IS WHY WE ARE GETTING THE LIFTS FOR THE THIRD TRUCK, TO GO TO THE INACCESSIBLE AREAS.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID SHE WAS ASKED IF WE ARE GOING TO HAVE PLANS FOR THE ELDERLY WHO MIGHT HAVE TROUBLE GETTING THERE TRASH CONTAINERS MOVED AND OR WE GOING TO BE PICKING UP IN THE ALLEYS. SHE ANSWERED SHE DIDN'T KNOW BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THERE WOULD BE SMALLER TOTES AVAILABLE. THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WILL BE WORKED OUT.
COUNCILMAN KIDD SAID HE HAS SEEN THESE TRUCKS IN ACTION AND THEY TAKE HARD ABUSE. THE MECHANISM IS SO ROUGH. LOOKS LIKE THEY WOULD BE UNDER REPAIR ALL THE TIME.
COUNCILMAN HAHN SAID THAT IF WE DID CHARGE USER FEES, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN LAID OFF WOULD GET THEIR JOBS BACK. IS THAT RIGHT?
MAYOR SMALL SAID YES SIR.
COUNCILMAN HAHN SAID THAT WE WANT TO BRING THE MEN AND WOMEN BACK TO WORK. THAT IS WHAT HE IS GETTING FROM THE COUNCIL TONIGHT. IN ORDER TO GET THEM ALL BACK, WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF PURCHASING TRUCKS. SO IF WE ARE LEASING THEM, THE NEW TRUCKS TO BE, WOULD WE BE ABLE TO LEASE THE TRUCKS LIKE WE HAVE NOW? KEEP SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN LAID OFF AND DO IT THE SAME WAY? SAVE MONEY BECAUSE THE OTHER TYPE OF TRUCK WOULD BE CHEAPER TO LEASE INSTEAD OF THE NEW KIND? HE SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WOULD COST TO LEASE THE ONE THAT PICKED UP BY ITSELF BUT IT IS CUTTING OUT TWO EMPLOYEES. IF LIKE THE ONES WE HAVE NOW, HOW WOULD YOU COMPARE IT TO THE LAYING OFF OF SIX OR SEVEN PEOPLE, MR. AYERS? LOOK AND SEE THE COMPARISON WAS A LOT DIFFERENT AND KEEP SOME IF NOT ALL THE PEOPLE, AND STILL GET THE TRASH PICKED UP. IF WE ARE GOING TO CHARGE A USER FEE AND NOT GETTING THEM ALL BACK, ONLY A FEW, THERE ARE ALL POSSIBILITIES.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THE NORMAL PACKER?
COUNCILMAN HAHN SAID THE NORMAL PACKER AND HAVE TWO GENTLEMEN ON THE BACK AND ONE DRIVER. IF WE CAN LEASE THAT FOR A NOMINAL FEE, WOULD THAT SAVE JOBS?
COUNCILMAN REID SAID THAT THE MAYOR MADE A GOOD POINT. THE PURPOSE OF CITY GOVERNMENT IS NOT TO PROVIDE JOBS AND WE ALL UNDERSTAND THAT. WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT IT TAKES A CERTAIN NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO DO THE JOBS TO GET THE JOB DONE. WE HEAR THAT SOME OF THE WORK IS JUST NOT GETTING DONE BECAUSE THE CITY IS SO SHORT ON RESOURCES. HE SAID THAT THESE ARE PROBLEMS THAT ARE CAUSED BY ISSUES AT THE STATE. IT WOULDN'T MATTER WHO WAS THE MAYOR. THERE IS THE MIDDLE OPTION. WE CHARGE THE USER FEE AND LOOK, IF THEY ARE EASIER TO MANEUVER IN THE STREETS, THE SEMI AUTOMATIC TRUCKS, THEY REQUIRE TWO PEOPLE INSTEAD OF ONE. THAT WOULD GIVE US A FEW MORE AFSCME WORKERS. IF WE HAVE A SNOW EMERGENCY OR A TORNADO OR SOME THING ELSE HAPPENS, WE CAN RESPOND TO THAT. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS GOTTEN LEFT OUT ABOUT THIS DEBATE ABOUT EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT SERVICES. EVERYBODY WANTS THEIR TAX DOLLARS TO BE USED EFFICIENTLY DO PART OF ANY BUSINESS ID IF YOU ARE OPERATING AT 100%, MAXIMUM CAPACITY ALL THE TIME, SOMETHING COMES ALONG AND YOU DON'T HAVE THE EXTRA RESOURCES TO DO THAT. IN A BUSINESS IT'S AT THE END OF THE DAY, ALL THAT HAPPENS IS DOLLARS. IN CITY GOVERNMENT, AN EMERGENCY COMES UP, AND WE DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES TO DEAL WITH IT, NOBODY IS GOING TO BAIL US OUT FOR AT LEAST FOR 3 OR 4 DAYS. WE NEED TO HAVE SOME CAPACITY THERE TO ABSORB THAT. WE ALL KNOW MORE CUTS ARE COMING. AFSCME HAS THE BIGGEST GROUP OF EMPLOYEES IN THE CITY. THE BEGINNING OF 2008, EMERGENCY SERVICES WAS HALF OF THE EMPLOYEES. AFSCME AND NON-UNION WERE THE OTHER HALF. IF WE KEEP CUTTING AFSCME, THERE WILL COME A POINT WHERE THEY CAN'T PROVIDE THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES THAT ARE REQUIRED TO PATCH A ROAD. HE SAID HE WAS WANTING TO LOOK AT SOMETHING AS MIDDLE GROUND SO WE CAN INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT, BUT GET SOME ADDITIONAL REVENUE IN TO KEEP ENOUGH EMPLOYEES SO THAT WE ARE NOT OPERATING AT 100% ALL THE TIME SO WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO GET THE WORK DONE THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. IF WE CUT MUCH MORE, THINGS WILL NOT GET DONE.
THE MAYOR SAID THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE TIGHT BY YOUR ROUGH CALCULATIONS AND HE HAD NO REASON TO DISAGREE. HE SAID THAT NEXT YEAR, WE COULD HAVE ANOTHER MILLION DOLLARS TO CUT FROM THE BUDGET. OBVIOUSLY, THE USER FEES FOR TRASH PICKUP WOULD HAVE TO BE ONE OF THE THINGS TO BE CONSIDERED. HE SAID THAT SO FAR, WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO ATTEMPT USER FEES. WE HAVE TRIED TWICE TO GET MODEST CHARGES FOR THE BAKER PARK SHELTERS AND NEVER MADE IT TO A MOTION. HE SAID HE PROVIDED TO THE COUNCIL A PROPOSAL TO CHARGE FOR PICKUP FOR BULK TRASH. THAT STILL REMAINS IN COMMITTEE. FROM HIS ESTIMATES, OVER A YEARS PERIOD, ALL THE USER FEES THAT HE WANTED TO CHARGE, OR SUGGEST CHARGING OTHER THAN WEEKLY PICKUP, WOULD COME TO APPROXIMATELY THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR.
HE SAID HE HAD NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL GETTING USER FEES TO DATE. THIS WAS A DECISION MADE AND CRANKED INTO ONE PARTICULAR DEPARTMENT. AT THIS TIME, WE DO NOT MOVE MONEY FROM ONE DEPARTMENT TO ANOTHER. HE SAID HE COULDN'T LAY OFF SEVEN POLICEMEN AND KEEP SEVEN AT THE STREET DEPARTMENT. THEY ARE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE BUDGET.
COUNCILADY GOODMAN ASKED ABOUT THE USER FEE. IF SOMEONE COMMITTED A BUILDING VIOLATION, AGAINST THE BUILDING CODE, WOULD THAT BE THE SAME LINE OF PROCEDURE THAT WOULD BE FOLLOWED FOR A USER FEE ORDINANCE?
MAYOR SMALL SAID YES, SAME PROCEDURE. THIS WOULD BE HANDLED BY THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER.
COUNCILADY GOODMAN SAID, BUT IF WE ARE TALKING ABOUT TRASH. TALKING ABOUT THE BULK TRASH THAT YOU MENTIONED. IF THERE IS SOMEONE NOT COMPLYING, HOW WOULD THE COLLECTION GO ABOUT FOR THAT PENALTY FOR THAT VIOLATION?
MAYOR SMALL SAID THEY WOULD RECEIVE A LETTER FROM THE BUILDING INSPECTOR, TELLING THEM TO COMPLY WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OR BE CITIED INTO COURT.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID, GETTING BACK TO THE USER FEES, HOW MUCH WOULD THE TRASH HAVE TO BE CHARGED? HOW MUCH FOR EACH HOME IN NEW CASTLE? HOW MUCH TO GENERATE ENOUGH FUNDS TO CONTINUE TRASH PICKUP AS WE SEE IT, AND NOT LAY OFF CITY EMPLOYEES. HAVE WE GONE THAT FAR IN CALCULATING?
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID WE MIGHT HAVE ENOUGH TO GET THROUGH THIS YEAR, BUT LOOK AT IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID, CAN WE GENERATE ENOUGH THROUGH USER FEES TO
PAY FOR THIS?
COUNCILMAN REID SAID, NO, BECAUSE THE STATE DOESN'T WANT LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO EXIST IS THE ANSWER. BUT, WE CAN DO WHAT WE CAN. TAKING IN CONSIDERATION OF ALL THE ACCOUNTING SIDE, YOU WOULD HAVE TO HAVE DEDICATED STAFF OR YOU WOULD GET INTO WHERE YOU WOULD SPLIT THE CHARGES FOR THE UTILITY WORKERS. THIS COULD BRING IN BETWEEN 3 AND 4 HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR. IF THIS WAS RAN LIKE THE UTILITIES, WE COULD USE THE KEYSTONE PROGRAM. THE BILLING COULD GO OUT WITH THE UTILITY BILLING. HE SAID SINCE OUR SANITARY DEPARTMENT ALSO PERFORMS OTHER CENTRAL FUNCTIONS WHEN THE WEATHER IS BAD, PAVING AND PATCHING, IT WOULD MAKE SENSE FOR THE CITY KEEP THOSE POSITIONS AS WE CAN TO DEAL WITH THE EMERGENCY ISSUES.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THAT WOULD BE DURABLE FOR THIS YEAR BUT HOW ABOUT NEXT YEAR?
MAYOR SMALL SAID HE HAS TRIED AS HARD AS HE COULD TO KEEP THE PUBLIC FINANCIALLY INVOLVED THIS YEAR, WITH THE DECISIONS THAT WE HAVE MADE. THAT $10.00 A MONTH, ARE WE GOING TO ASK AN 80 YR. OLD WOMAN, WHO IS COUNTING HER PENNIES TO PAY $120.00 A YEAR SO WE CAN KEEP SEVEN PEOPLE ON THE PAYROLL. THAT IS BASICALLY WHAT IT BOILS DOWN TO. MOST CITIES ARE AUTOMATED. THIS MAKES OUR GOVERNMENT MORE EFFICIENT AND HAVE LESS FINANCIAL BURDEN ON THE CITIZENS.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID HE WAS NOT AGAINST AUTOMATION. WITH OUR AGING TRASH TRUCKS, THERE WILL BE A TIME THEY WILL QUIT WORKING. BUT HE SAID HE KNEW THEY PERFORM OTHER TASKS THAT ARE IMPORTANT. HE HATED TO SEE THAT CUT AND THEN END UP EATING THE COST SAVINGS. WE CAN'T USE OTHER DEPARTMENT MEN UNLESS OVERTIME. THERE GOES THE COST SAVINGS. WE NEED TO KEEP ENOUGH PEOPLE ON THE PAYROLL TO GET THE WORK DONE.
COUNCILADY GOODMAN SAID ALL THE ISSUES, THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE PICKING OUTSIDE THE BOX. WE SHOULD BE CREATIVELY THINKING. DISCUSSING WAYS %u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID WE CAN'T THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX BECAUSE THE BOX IS ON HIS DESK. NOBODY UNDERSTANDS THAT. IT IS HIS DECISION ONLY. THAT IS THE WAY IT IS GOING TO BE BECAUSE WE ARE NOT CONSULTED.
COUNCILADY GOODMAN SAID IT WAS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO OFFER TO MAKE SURE ORDINANCES ARE RIGHT, OR TALKING TO OTHERS OR DEPARTMENT HEADS OR SOMETHING.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID THERE IS NO BRAIN STORMING. WE WILL PAY FOR ANOTHER SURVEY. PAY 5 TO 7 THOUSAND FOR ANOTHER SURVEY. WE DO THAT QUIET WELL.
MAYOR SMALL ASKED WHAT SURVEYS HE WAS TALKING ABOUT.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID HE WOULD HAVE ALL THE SURVEYS SET UP AT THE NEXT MEETING.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID LET'S DISCUSS STREET SWEEPING. HE SAID HE WAS WOKE UP THIS MORNING AT QUARTER TILL 4. WHY IS THE STREET SWEEPER OUT AT 3:45 A.M.? DOWN MAIN STREET. WE HAVE A NOISE ORDINANCE AND HE DIDN'T WANT TO HEAR A STREET SWEEPER OR TRASH TRUCK UNTIL 6:00 A.M.. WHY?
WASTEWATER POLLUTION CONTROL SUPERINTENDENT RANDY HAMILTON SAID THAT THE MAYOR ASKED THAT THE MAIN STREETS BE CLEANED TWICE A WEEK BEFORE THE HEAVY TRAFFIC STARTS. THERE ARE TWO DAYS A WEEK THAT THE SWEEPER GOES OUT EARLY.
COUNCILMAN KROGER SAID IF THERE IS A NOISE ORDINANCE ON THE BOOKS, HE DID NOT WANT TO HEAR A SWEEPER AT 4:00 A.M.. DON'T WANT TO HEAR THIS ONE ARMED BANDIT COME BY AT 4:00A.M. EITHER.
COUNCILMAN HAHN SAID WE ARE PAYING TIME AND ONE HALF FOR THAT.
COUNCILMAN KOGER ASKED ABOUT THE TAX ABATEMENT ON METALDYNE. 10 YEARS. THEY HAVE BEEN THERE 6 OR 7? WHAT HAPPENS TO THE TAX ABATEMENT? ARE THEY OBLIGATED?
MAYOR SMALL SAID THEY ARE OBLIGATED BUT IT LOOKS AS IF WE ARE GOING TO LOOSE THE TAXES FROM METALDYNE.
COUNCILMAN KIDD SAID WHEN THE ECONOMY GETS SO BAD; THEY DON'T HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING BACK.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID OTHER COMPANIES HAVE GONE OUT OF BUSINESS AND WE WERE STUCK. THERE ARE RUMORS THAT THERE ARE INCUBATORS BUSINESSES IN THERE WORKING? IS THAT RIGHT?
ATTORNEY COPENHAVER SAID THAT WHEN CHRYSLER GOT A TAX ABATEMENT THEY DID RENOVATION. HE SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW OF AN ANSWER TO THAT. IF WE HADN'T GIVEN IT TO THEM,%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026.METALDYNE ASSUMED CHRYSLER'S ABATEMENT? YES. CHRYSLER OWNS THE BUILDING. METALDYNE IS LEASING. THEY HAVE BEEN PAYING THEIR TAXES.
COUNCILMAN KIDD URGED THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONSIDER THESE IDEAS AND NOT HAVE A LAY OFF THIS YEAR OR NEXT.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THE BUDGET THAT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED, WE HAVE PROGRAMMED INTO THAT A SAVINGS OF $140,000.00 THIS YEAR IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT BUDGET. IF WE DON'T DO WHAT WE ARE PROPOSING NOW, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER $140,000.00.
COUNCILADY MALONE SAID SHE HAD A QUESTION ABOUT A CUT AT FAIROAKS DRIVE AND RILEY ROAD. IT HAS BEEN THERE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.
MAYOR SMALL SAID WE HAVE SEVERAL THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND WE WILL REPAIR ALL AT ONE TIME AS LONG AS THEY ARE CITY CUTS. WE HAVE A LIST.
COUNCILMAN REID HAS QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS.
1. MAPLEWOOD AND CHURCH ST. THERE IS A SPEED BUMP. THERE IS A METAL BAR AND IT IS BEGINNING TO BREAK. YOU MIGHT FIX OR TURN INTO ANOTHER SPEED BUMP.
2. WE DON'T HAVE THE INSPECTION CAPABILITIES ON THE BUILDING MAINTENANCE SIDE. WE DON'T HAVE THE CLEAN UP CREW. THE CURRENT ORDINANCE FOR MOWING IS A CREW WILL MOW FOR $125.00.
SUGGEST TO UP THE FINE FROM $500.00 TO $750.00 PER INCIDENT. BY THE TIME THE OWNERS WOULD GO TO COURT OVER THIS, IT WOULD BE CHEAPER TO HAVE IT MOWED.
3. BUILDING PERMITS%u2026..$500.00 LIMIT WAS SET BACK IN THE 90'S. RAISE IT TO $1,500.00 BEFORE PERMIT. PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET SOME THINGS DONE WITHOUT A PERMIT.
BUILDING INSPECTOR SECRETARY ANITA ABRELL SAID SHE SEES IT HAPPENS SO OFTEN WHERE PEOPLE ARE GIVEN AN ESTIMATE, PAY A PERCENTAGE DOWN FOR MATERIALS, THE CONTRACTOR LEAVES AND NEVER RETURNS.
COUNCILMAN KIDD SAID THAT HOPE INITIATIVE HAS A LOT OF IDEAS AND REMEDIES. CATHY HAMILTON IS IN CHARGE AND THEY WILL PRESENT THE NEW PLAN TO COUNCIL SOON BY ORDINANCE.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID GETTING BACK TO THE GRASS CUTTING FINES, 5 TO 7 HUNDRED DOLLARS. SHE SAID MOST OF THE PROPERTIES SHE HAS SEEN ARE ABANDONED OR RENTALS. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FINES, THE TENNANT OR PROPERTY OWNER?
COUNCILMAN REID SAID THE PROPERTY OWNER. HE SAID THE RESPONSIBLE OWNERS WILL NEVER HAVE TO DEAL WITH THAT.
PRESIDENT YORK SAID SHE HAD NO PROBLEM RAISING IT, BECAUSE HER PROPERTY IS SURROUNDED WITH RENTAL PROPERTIES NOT MAINTAINED.
MAYOR SAID THAT ONE OF THE INITIATIVES IS A GRASS CUTTING INITIATIVE.
4, COUNCILMAN REID SAID HE HAD A CONCERN ABOUT THE UTILITY CONSULTANT CAME IN AND A REVIEW AND SUGGESTED A RATE INCREASE OF A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE TO WATER AND A PERCENTAGE TO SEWER. THAT WAS ASSUMING THAT METALDYNE WAS OPERATIONAL. THEY ARE THE CITY'S BIGGEST UTILITY CUSTOMER. WITH THEIR REVENUE GONE, HE WAS CONCERNED THAT WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE CITY'S UTILITIES,
ESPECIALLY IF WE DON'T LISTEN TO THE ADVISE OF THE COMPANY OF THE CONSULTANTS.
5 . HE SAID HE GOT TO SEE THE CITY'S SWAT TEAM IN ACTION AND THEY DID AN EXCELLENT JOB. HE THANKED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
COUNCILMAN HAHN TALKED ABOUT USER FEES. HE SAID IF THEY DO DECIDE TO DO A USER FEE, THEY NEED TO LOOK AT LONG TERM AS WELL AS SHORT TERM. COUNCILMAN HAHN SAID REMEMBER BACK WHEN WE HAD THE INVENTORY TAX, EVERYBODY WANTED THE INVENTORY TAX OFF. SOME PEOPLE WANTED IT TO STAY ON. WHEN YOU TAKE ONE TAX OFF, ANOTHER TAX WILL BE ADDED. HE SAID WHENEVER WE DO SOMETHING; WE NEED THE PUBLIC'S INPUT. WE NEED TO LISTEN TO THEM AND THEIR CONCERNS. COUNCILMAN HAHN SUGGESTED THAT TO LOOK AT THE NOMINAL DIFFERENCE IN THE TRASH TRUCKS AND THE WORKERS. HE SAID ALL HE COULD DO AS A COUNCIL MEMBER, WRITE A CITATION OR TICKET ON THIS ORDINANCE ON THE NOISE ORDINANCE. SOMEBODY SHOULD BE GETTING A TICKET IF THEY ARE SWEEPING BEFORE 6:00 A.M..
MAYOR SMALL SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST HE HAD HEARD OF IT. HE SAID HE WANTED THE PRIMARY STREETS CLEANED. THAT IS WHY WE HAVE THE TWO
STREET SWEEPERS.
COUNCILMAN HAHN ASKED MR. HAMILTON NOT TO LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN.
COUNCILMAN REID ASKED IF THE STREETS COULD BE CLEANED WITHOUT IT COSTING TIME AND ONE HALF. DURING REGULAR TIME.
MAYOR SMALL SAID CERTAINLY.
MR. HAMILTON SAID THAT IT WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE TRAFFIC ON THE MAIN STREETS. THAT IS WHY THEY WENT OUT EARLY. BY 6:00 A.M., EVERYBODY IS GOING TO WORK AND YOU HAVE TO GET AROUND THE TRAFFIC.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THAT THE COUNTY WAS GOING TO APPROACH THE COUNCIL ABOUT THE LOIT TAX. HE SAID THAT THE DECISION OF THE TAX HAD TO BE DONE BY JULY 31, 2009.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID HE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE CITY CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND AMBULANCE SERVICE AND THAT NOT BECOME A COUNTY OPERATION.
PRESIDENT YORK ASKED FOR A CONSENSUS OF COUNCIL. ALL SEVEN COUNCIL MEMBERS AGREED THAT THEY DID NOT WANT THE CITY AND COUNTY EMERGENCY UNIT TO COMBINE.
MAYOR SMALL SAID HE HAD ALREADY NOTIFIED THE COMMISSIONERS OF HENRY COUNTY, SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND NATE LAMAR, EXPLAINING THAT THE CITY WAS NOT GOING TO SUBMIT THE OVER SIGHT OF OUR EMS SERVICE WITH ANOTHER GOVERNMENT.
PRESIDENT YORK ASKED FOR SOMETHING IN WRITING BY THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING SUPPORTING THE MAYOR'S DECISION.
ATTORNEY COPENHAVER SAID YES.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CONNIE DAVIDSON, LAID OFF EMPLOYEE OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT, AND SHE WANTED TO MAKE SOME COMMENTS.
1. FROM HER STAND POINT OF VIEW, THE STREETS IN THIS CITY ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR THE HEAVIER TRASH TRUCKS.
2. THE CLEANING OF THE STREETS.
3. THE CONTAINERS FOR THE TRASH.
4. THE FIGURES ON THE CONTAINERS WERE GIVEN TO MR. ENGLAND.
5. WHY ISN'T THE GRASS BEING MOWED? WHO IS GOING TO ENFORCE?
6. NO LARGE ITEMS. SHE TOOK A LOT OF CALLS ON TREE LIMBS AND BRUSH, PLUS OTHER LARGE ITEMS.
7. WHAT ABOUT THE TREE LIMBS. CHIPPER NOT OUT.
8. 80 YEAR OLD PEOPLE CAN'T AFFORD TRASH USER FEES.
9. NOISE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE ENFORCED AND SWEEPER NOT OUT BEFORE 6:00 A.M..
CHESTER CHANEY, EMPLOYEE OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT, TALKED ABOUT THE NEW GARBAGE TRUCKS COST.
MAYOR SMALL SAID $282,000.00 EACH. 2 OF THEM TOTAL $564,000.00. THE TWO TIPPERS THAT GO ON THE BACK OF THE EXISTING PACKERS, ARE $7,000.00 EACH, AND 8,000 TOTTERS @ $476,000. A TOTAL OF JUST A LITTLE OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS. MODIFICATIONS TO THE NUMBER OF TIPPERS IN SIZE SO WE WILL BE SPENDING LESS THAN A MILLION.
CHESTER CHANEY SAID THERE WAS NO REASON FOR IT. THE TRUCKS ARE THERE, THE MEN ARE THERE AND WE ARE DOING THE JOB. WHY GO WITH THAT? WHY CONTINUE TO GO INTO DEBT. AS FOR SAVING MONEY, YOU SAID $140,000.00 THIS YEAR. HE ASKED MR. HAMILTON IF HIS DEPARTMENT COULD DO THE SAME WORK AS J-TECH DOES?
MR. HAMILTON SAID THE WASTEWATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLAN CAN DO SOME WORK BUT NOT WHAT J-TECH DOES, THEY DESTROY SOLVENTS. WE DO NOT. WE PROCESS SOLIDS. THE CITY PAYS SO MUCH PER GALLON FOR THEM TO PROCESS OUR SLUDGE. IF THEY SAVE US MONEY, THEN WE DON'T HAVE TO LOOK FOR AN INCREASE IN THE RATE.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THAT J-TECH IS ABOUT 70% ON LINE RIGHT NOW. AS SOON AS WE GET THE PEROXIDE TANK THEY WILL BE DOING 100%. A GREATER SAVINGS FOR US. IT ISN'T WHAT J-TECH IS DOING AT THE WASTEWATER PLANT; IT IS WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO BE DOING AS A MAJOR INDUSTRY IN NEW CASTLE, ONCE THEY GET ESTABLISHED HERE. THEY ARE GOING TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST INCUBATOR BUSINESSES IN THE METALDYNE PLANT. WE ARE WORKING ON THE LEASE ARRANGEMENTS NOW. THEY WILL BE THERE FOR ONE OR TWO YEARS UNTIL THEIR FACILITY IS BUILT. NOW, J-TECH IS ONLY LOOKING AT WASTEWATER REDUCTION, BUT THE SAME PROCEDURE THAT THEY WILL BE USING HAS TO DO WITH MEDICAL WASTE REDUCTION, MORTUARY REDUCTION, ANY SHIPS AT SEA, CONVERT SALT WATER TO REGULAR DRINKING WATER. HE SAID IT WAS GOING TO BECOME A MAJOR IF NOT THE MOST MAJOR INDUSTRY IN NEW CASTLE. THIS IS AN INVESTMENT.
MR. CHANEY AGAIN SAID THEY SHOULD BE TRYING TO SAVE MEN'S JOBS INSTEAD OF PUTTING THEM ON THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THE LOSES THAT WE ARE SPEAKING OF HERE ARE TAX BASED. TALKING ABOUT J-TECH IS UTILITY MONEY. MAKING SAVINGS OVER HERE OR SPENDING MONEY IN THE UTILITIES WILL NOT BRING PEOPLE BACK TO WORK.
MR. CHANEY SAID BUT IF YOU DON'T BUY NEW GARBAGE TRUCKS%u2026%u2026%u2026.
MAYOR SMALL SAID ONE OF THE MAJOR SAVINGS FOR THIS LEASE PURCHASE ARRANGEMENT, WE DON'T PAY ANYTHING THE FIRST YEAR. THAT WILL GET US OVER THIS INITIAL HURDLE. WHAT WILL WE DO FOR THE REST OF 2009?
MR. CHANEY SAID WHAT WEILL THESE GUYS DO WHEN THEY ARE LAID OFF?
MAYOR SMALL SAID WE ARE HOPING TO BRING PEOPLE BACK. WE WILL WHEN WE CAN. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A JOB OPENING. A JOB IS POSTED NOW AT THE STREET.
MR. CHANEY SAID ONE JOB, AND YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT LAYING OFF SEVEN.
MAYOR SMALL SAID HE WAS OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS. $140,000.00 HAS TO BE CUT OUT OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT.
MR. CHANEY SAID THE UNION HAS TRIED TO SHOW YOU HOW TO SAVE COSTS BUT HE DIDN'T THINK THE MAYOR HEARD THEM.
MAYOR SMALL SAID HE WAS OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS OF WHERE THAT EXTRA $140,000.00 WILL COME FROM WITHIN THE STREET DEPARTMENT.
MR. CHANEY SAID THE USER FEES. HE SAID TO MAYOR SMALL, YOU TALK ABOUT CLEANING UP NEW CASTLE. IT IS FILTHY. YOU WANT MAIN ROADS CLEANED.
MAYOR SMALL SAID HE WANTED ALL THE ROADS CLEANED. PRIORITY OF WHICH ONES ARE CLEANED FIRST. THE ONES VISITORS SEE FIRST. INDUSTRIALIST WHO MIGHT WANT TO BRING THEIR FACTORY IN. THEY ARE GOING TO SEE A CLEAN NEW CASTLE WHEN THEY GO DOWN OUR MAIN STREETS.
AGAIN DISCUSSION, TOOK PLACE ABOUT THE MEN WORKING OVER TIME
WITH THE STREET SWEEPER CLEANING AT 4:00 A.M..
MAYOR SMALL ASKED RANDY HAMILTON, WASTEWATER POLLUTION CONTROL SUPERINTENDENT, IF HE, THE MAYOR WAS AWARE OF THIS.
SUPT, HAMILTON SAID THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AND WAS REQUESTED.
MARK RIDENOUR, VICE-PRESIDENT OF AFSCME, HE SAID HE WAS AMAZED AT THE WAY EVERYBODY WAS ACTING DUMB FOUNDED. HE SAID 12 YEARS AGO, AN ORDINANCE WAS PASSED SAYING THAT TRASH WOULD NOT BE PICKED UP AT CHURCHES, BUSINESSES ETC. THAT IS COSTING THE CITY ABOUT $250,000.00 A YEAR. THE TWO GUYS ON THE BACK OF THE TRUCKS, PICK UP ABOUT 30,000 POUNDS OF TRASH A DAY, BY HAND. YOUR AFRAID TO CHARGE AN OLD LADY $10.00 A MONTH FOR USER FEE. A CONTRACTOR WOULD CHARGE $35.00. IF IT IS AGAINST THE ORDINANCE, WHY ARE WE DOING IT.?
MAYOR SMALL SAID WE ARE RECTIFYING THAT. THESE HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR 20-30 YEARS. BEFORE THE AYERS ADMINISTRATION.
MR. RIDENOUR SAID NO, IT WAS STOPPED IN THE BOLES ADMINISTRATION AND THE NIPP ADMINISTRATION STARTED IT BACK UP. WE MADE A LIST FOR YOU OF WHOSE TRASH IS PICKED UP.
MAYOR SMALL SAID WE HAVE THAT LIST AND ARE GOING TO RECTIFY IT.
WHEN WE CONVERT TO THE AUTOMATED TRASH PICK UP, WE NO LONGER WILL BE DOING THAT.
COUNCILMAN HAHN SAID WE MAY HAVE TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT AFTER A FEW MONTHS FOR TRASH PICKUP. IF WE DO IT AT $20.00, DON'T LAY OFF ANY PEOPLE, AND THEN LAY OFF AT THE 1ST OF THE YEAR, WE MAY HAVE TO UP IT TO $30.00 . IT'S GOT TO BE A NOMINAL FEE TO START. THERE ISN'T ANY REASON TO HAVE A FEE IF YOU AREN'T GOING TO KEEP THE PEOPLE WORKING.
MR. RIDENOUR SAID HE AND PRESIDENT BLATTNER WENT TO A MEETING WITH THE POLICE AND FIRE AND WAS TOLD BY THE MAYOR TO GET ON THE COUNCIL ABOUT THE USER FEE AT $10.00 A MONTH TO CREATE $900,000.00. THAT IS WHY WE TOOK IT TO COUNCIL.
COUNCILMAN KOGER SAID HE HAD BEEN ACCUSED BY SOME OF THE FIREMEN SAYING THAT THE COUNCIL DOESN'T WANT TO SAY WE WANT A USER FEE. WE DON'T BECAUSE OF THE IF WE INSTITUTE A DOLLAR FIGURE, WHICH WAS THROWN OUT TONIGHT, WE ARE NOT GUARANTEED THAT THE MONEY IS GOING TO KEEP YOU GUYS WORKING, BECAUSE OF WHAT THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN DOING THE LAST SIX MONTHS. WHY SHOULD WE INSTITUTE A USER FEE WHEN THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING TOMORROW. SO WHY AM I GOING TO INSTITUTE A USER FEE FOR MYSELF EVEN WHEN THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING WITH THE TRASH PICKUP. THAT IS WHAT WE DON'T UNDERSTAND AS A COUNCIL. HE SAID IT WAS NOT THE UNIONS PROBLEM TO FIND OUT EITHER. YOU GUYS ARE BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE. PUT YOURSELF IN OUR POSITION. IT'S HARD FOR US TO SIT HERE AND SAY WE NEED 10, 15 OR 29 DOLLAR USER FEES WHEN WE DON'T KNOW WHERE IT IS GOING TO GO. WE WON'T KNOW UNTIL NEXT YEARS BUDGET WHEN WE CAN SIT DOWN AND TAKE IT OUT OF THOSE 100, 200, 300, AND 400 LINE ITEMS THAT WON'T BE IN THE BUDGET NEXT YEAR. HOPEFULLY WE WILL HAVE MORE CONTROL OVER THE BUDGET NEXT YEAR. WE HAVE NONE THIS YEAR. WE KNOW WE NEED THE USER FEE AND HE KNEW IT WOULD HELP KEEP THE GUYS EMPLOYED. WE MUST KNOW WHERE THE MONEY IS GOING. DO WE WANT TO PASS A 10 OR 15 DOLLAR USER FEE AND 7 GET LAID OFF? NO.
COUNCILMAN REID SAID EVEN IF THE USER FEE IS INSTITUTED, AND HE AGREED THAT THEY HAD TO MAKE SURE THAT MONEY WAS USED TO REIMBURSE THE
THE TRASH PICK UP. ONE THING, THE 80 YR. OLD LADY WHO WOULD PAY THE $10.00 PER MONTH FOR TRASH PICKUP, IF SHE CALLS A PRIVATE COMPANY, SHE'S GOING TO HAVE TO PAY 50-60 DOLLARS EVERY TIME SHE HAS TO HAVE HER LIMBS REMOVED OR 25-30 BUCKS TO HAVE THINGS HAULED AWAY. WE HAVE TO SET A FEASIBLE FEE SCHEDULE THAT WOULD HELP OFF SET THE COST. WE CAN DO IT CHEAPER THAN THE PRIVATE COMPANIES CAN. THIS WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO THE CITIZENS OF NEW CASTLE. HE SAID THE TRASH PICK UP IS AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE.
MR. RIDENOUR EXPLAINED WHAT SERVICES ARE DONE AT THE STREET DEPARTMENT, TRASH AND ROAD REPAIRS.
MAYOR SMALL SAID THE STREET REPAIRS THOSE FUNDS ARE OUT OF OUR CONTROL THIS IS M V H MONEY. WE HAD NO CHOICE WHEN WE LOST MOST OF THE M V H FUNDING. YOU CAN'T BLAME THE STATE HOUSE FOR THIS. FEWER PEOPLE ARE DRIVING, BUYING CARS AND THE LIKE. THE MVH WAS CUT ABOUT $200,000.00, THIS COME FROM THE STATE.
PRESIDENT YORK MOVED FOR ADJOURNMENT.
COUNCILMAN HAHN: SECOND
