Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009

Collinsville considers new tree limb, yard waste proposal

COLLINSVILLE -- Residents soon may have a new means to dispose tree limbs and yard waste.

City leaders and council members discussed proposals Monday during the strategic session before the City Council meeting. One proposal is to outsource the job to Roxana-based waste collector Allied Waste. According to projections quoted by the waste collector, About 9,658 households in the city that would be affected could pay $3.65 a month, or $7.39 every two months, for 12 months of service. Another option would be for residents to pay $3.15 a month, or $6.30 every two months, for nine months of service with year-round billing.

A third plan would maintain the current service on the first and third weeks of each month with a $2 fee associated and necessary staff additions. This option would generate approximately $231,792 to help sustain the tree limb collection.

A final alternative would be to eliminate the current program and require residents to find their own means to dispose of limbs. The council will continue to examine these plans.

Also during the strategic session, city leaders discussed amending the ordinance for public comment in hearings held before the council meetings. Mayor John Miller said he believes five minutes should provide ample time for those wishing to speak.

But Councilwoman Lisa Ciampoli said she does not believe that is always enough time for everyone who requests time to speak before city officials.

"Sometimes, it's not enough," Ciampoli said. "I'd like to see 10 minutes, not 15 minutes, but I don't think five minutes is enough."

"Let's leave it at five minutes," Miller said. "And if more is needed, we'll require they request an extension to 10 minutes."

The council also plans to review the issue at a future meeting.