ROGERS — Aldermen approved Tuesday a five-year extension on a trash removal contract, with a $1.11 rate increase, with Inland Services.
The extended contract and the rate increase will become effective Jan. 1.
Alderman Bob Goodwin voted against the contract extension.
“With the changes in the contract, I can’t support this ordinance,” Goodwin said.
The rate increase is tied to a change in recycling. The 18-gallon recycling bin will be replaced with a 64-gallon recycling cart on wheels. Inland’s current recycling rate is $1.59 per month. The new rate will be $2.70, a difference of $1.11.
Louise Mann, a Fayetteville resident, attending the public works committee meeting prior to the council meeting, applauded the council on its recycling leadership role.
“Hats off to you. People in Fayetteville are excited about what you are doing here. You are setting an example for Northwest Arkansas,” Mann said. She added she drove to Rogers just to praise the council.
Alderman Gary Townzen, chairman of the public works committee, said prior to the meeting he is aware not everyone agrees with the increased price and emphasis placed on recycling.
“But I’ve talked to more than 200 people about this over the last three months and most people are in favor of a larger recycling bin. I know some people are upset about the price increase, especially seniors, but we have to do what’s best for the majority of residents,” Townzen said. “Recycling is necessary because it extends the life of a landfill and helps protect the environment by reusing non-biodegradable products.”
Rogers Mayor Steve Womack said he understood some people are not interested in recycling and won’t be part of the recycling program.
“I don’t usually favor government mandating what people must do, but in this case we can’t allow people to opt out of recycling. The only way to make it work is to make having a recycling bin mandatory to keep the cost down. It’s good public policy,” Womack said during the committee meeting.
Susan Umbaugh, a Rogers resident, said during the public forum at the beginning of the council meeting she and other seniors were not in favor of the larger recycling cart. Many seniors don’t have enough material to recycle, nor do they have a place for a second cart.
“This will be a hardship on many seniors,” Umbaugh said.
In other council business, Marge Wolf was given the oath of office by Womack at the beginning of the council meeting. Wolf is replacing Barney Hayes as the Ward 2, Position 2 alderman. Hayes resigned July 13 to take the position as the city park director, effective Aug. 1.
At A Glance
Rogers City Council
What Passed:
An ordinance changing the schedule of uses in the city zoning ordinances to reflect changes made by the Planning Commission.
An ordinance appropriating $14,000 from reserve to the Criminal Justice Center capital expenditure account. The money will be used to add a canopy over the front entrance of the district court.
A request to extend water service outside the city for a new Dollar General store at 14161 E. Arkansas 12
An ordinance authorizing a $50,000 change order in the contract with CEI Engineering and Association for additional work in connection with the Perry Road project.
An ordinance repealing an ordinance making the sale and use of K2, a marijuana-like substance, illegal. The Arkansas Department of Health made the sale of K2 illegal this month, because of health risks. The Health Department made the sale of K2 a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine ranging from $100 to $500 and/or a month in jail, making the city ordinance moot.
Source: Staff Report