Ferdinand Town Council: Residents take note — town talking trash

Ferdinand Property and Street Superintendent Tom Lueken reported on the multitude of projects his department is working on during the Tuesday night (September 12) Town Council meeting.

Then he started talking trash.

According to the town’s ordinance, residents are supposed to dispose of trash in 40-gallon capacity bags that weigh no more than 40 lbs. However, instead they are using much larger bags, many that take two people to lift.

Councilwoman Debbie Johnson told Lueken and other members of the department they should refuse to pick up anything that doesn’t meet code.

In addition, the ordinance states they must not place the bags out for pick-up more than 12 hours before the 7 a.m. collection time. Some violators are putting them out two or three days in advance, and dogs are ripping them open, causing additional problems.

The $1.50 per bag stickers are designed for the 40 lb./40 gallon size. Violations aside, “we are talking about our employees health,” said Johnson.

Lueken and his crew were directed not to pick up anything that does not fit the ordinance regulations.

In addition, residents in senior citizen housing were previously given a pass not to sticker their bags and a disposal fee was set. Since that time, they have quit using trash bags, throwing trash in unsealed Wal-Mart type or other unstable bags, requiring town employees to scrape together the refuse.

Council members agreed, if this does not stop, the privilege of having the trash hauled without a sticker will be taken away.

Much was covered during the two hour, 15 minute meeting, including a budget hearing, tax abatement hearing for Benet Hall because paperwork had not been filed so the council made a one-time exception, adoption of an annexation ordinance (2017-10) at East 5th and 285E for 19.708 acres of property owned by the sisters plus some contiguous areas where the new nursing home will be built and more.

Of key interest was the bid opening for a new pumper truck for the fire department. The lone bid — in a large three-ring binder, came from Mid America Fire and Safety LLC for a Ferrara fire apparatus built to the department’s specifications. Keith Sanders, co-owner of Mid America was present to answer questions.

The bid was for $500,652.64. If the town wishes to waive the performance bond, $1,944.64 could be deducted. If the town pays up front, $15,019.58 could be deducted from the cost, or $5,652 if they opt to put half down.

The council tabled the bid to allow time for fire department officials to review and council members to discuss funding options.

Park Board President Mike Steffe reported the land swap has been completed with the sisters for acreage at the Old Lake.

“Best we can figure,” he teased, “it was 27 years in the making — and almost required divine intervention.”

He is now awaiting word on a grant that would be used to build a trail around the lake.

In addition, the Park Board is working on plans for a nine hole disc golf course at 18th Street Park.

According to Town Manager Chris James, the team working to add a musical park, also at 18th Street, has raised just under $12,000 and hopes to come up with $16,000 to complete the project. James said if the Folk Fest is successful the committee intends to make a contribution.

Steffe also shared new 2018 ease guidelines adopted by the Park Board. A lease is needed to reserve a field or shelter house and if anything is being sold or collected such as a registration fee, proof of insurance will be required with the lease fee and must be submitted two weeks prior to usage. To lease either park in its entirety, the fee is $300 per day. One ball field: $75, the basketball or volleyball courts or horseshoe pits, $15 per day; volleyball court with lights, $25; 18th Street shelter house, $40; and 5th Street shelter house, $45. There will be no charge for free events, such as the back to school bash hosted by True Vine Church for which there was no cost to participants.

The council also:

•Issued a burn permit for the Legion’s BBQs on Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11 and April 8.

• Set trick or treat hours for 5-8 p.m. on October 31.

•Approved a $5,511 change order for the phosphorous project, asked for a special meeting with the engineer and approved Graves Plumbing’s pay request for $437,330.70. Johnson expressed her dissatisfaction with the engineering.

•Gave Utility Superintendent Steve Becher the go-ahead for a substation overhaul from Electric Power Systems for $42,369 upon confirmation the company will handle backup emergency work. Changed the next meeting to Thursday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m. but will adopt the budget on Tuesday, October 10 in a brief meeting as had been advertised.

From Ferdinand News