The council reviewed the bid tabulations for garbage and recycling pickup at their December 13 meeting. Bids were received from five different companies ,with most having options for either bags and bins or carts. It was pointed out that moving to cart service would mean that residents wouldn’t have to buy garbage bags anymore.
The different sizes of carts were discussed, but City Administrator Jerome Illg recommended only allowing one size to be available to residents to simplify things, otherwise the council would have to set different pricing and be prepared to handle requests to change sizes.
Councilmember Debbie Swenson asked whether the carts would be too hard for elderly residents to move, but Illg assured her that they would be easier than the current system as the carts are mounted on wheels.
The proposed garbage carts would be able to fit about two standard sized bags of garbage.
“What about the people who have five or six bags each week?” Mayor Steve Donney asked. Swenson was in favor of sticking with the current system of using bags due to that fact. Illg mentioned that he’s had quite a few Harmony residents ask why the city doesn’t switch over to using carts for garbage and recycling pickup.
A motion was made to sign another five year residential contract with Waste Management and continue the current bag and bin service.
The council confirmed that commercial customers are not covered by the contract and have the option to choose between Waste Management and S&S Sanitation as their garbage haulers.
Harmony resident David Larson had asked Illg if the council could revisit the even/odd winter parking ordinance. On 1st Avenue Southwest, parking is only allowed on one side of the street. When residents of that two block section have guests, such as during the holidays and for family gatherings, there’s no space for them to park on the correct side of the street. The council briefly reviewed the ordinance and agreed that it was best to leave it alone and not change it.
The city pickup driven by Terry Bigalk is a 2004 Chevy with around 100,000 miles on it. After figuring out the work needed on the truck, Illg recommended replacing it. He presented several quotes for new trucks, with regular and extended cab options. The current pickup has a regular cab which means that Bigalk has to store equipment in the bed of the truck, which is not the most secure option. A motion was passed to purchase red Chevy extended cab pickup and sell the current one as is, with the funds from the sale going towards the new truck.
Debbie Swenson reported that the EDA has narrowed down the 33 Harmony logo entries to five or six finalists.
The EDA recommended that the council approved a revolving loan for $25,000 to renovate an existing building and purchase equipment and inventory. The new business would increase the employment opportunities available in the community. The council approved the loan.
The Arts Board committed $1,400 to the Monster Bash, as the money it raises helps to support the art, drama, and music classes at the Fillmore CentralHigh School.
The proposed property tax levy was set at $612,600. Mayor Donney made a motion to bring it down to $590,000 and take the decrease from the general fund. Illg cautioned against passing the motion in case of unexpected expenses, but Mayor Donney felt that the reserve funds were strong enough to cover anything that should come up. The motion was approved.
The next meeting will be held on January 10 at 7 p.m.
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