By Jan. 1, residents in the city of El Dorado will see a new automated solid waste system, following an approval of the plan by the El Dorado City Commission Monday evening.
Before they began their discussion, they did hear from one resident, Gene Lynch.
“I happen to be one of those lucky ones to have one,” he said. “I think they’re great. I hope you implement the system.”
He commented that they are easy to role out to the curb and hold more trash than the current two bags holds.
Commissioner Linda Clark was still concerned about the people who leave their carts out on the curb.
Meyer said they give people 24 hours to get their cart removed from the curb.
“I’m not sold on it yet,” Clark said.
Another concern she had was if someone goes on vacation, they have to have someone take their cart back in.
Meyer said as they do now, they can bring their trash down to the city shop and throw it in the dumpster.
“They put their smelly bags in their car and bring them down to the dumpster?” she questioned.
Meyer said they do many times through the year.
He also said the city workers could put the carts back up by the curb if someone calls ahead of time.
“I think in the past the city has been pretty good at meeting the needs of citizens and I think they will meet the needs on this too,” said Mayor Tom McKibban said.
After discussing savings, difficulties with snow and affect on animals in the community such as raccoons and skunks, Krause made a motion to approve the plan and the commission voted 4-1 to approve it. Clark opposed the plan.
In other business, the commission:
* approved, 5-0, an ordinance renewing the franchise fee with Kansas Gas and Electric Company, doing business as Westar Energy, for a 5 percent franchise fee. The new agreement is for a 20-year period.
* approved, 5-0, a special use permit for a day care by Melissa Downing at 1825 Leonard Ct.
* approved, 5-0, a special use permit for a day care by Christine Davis at 115 N. Orchard.
* approved, 5-0, a rezoning request from residential to business office/institutional by El Paso Merchant Energy Petroleum Company. The land is located at 1800 N. Topeka. It will be used for office operation from 10 to 15 hours a week, so the traffic won’t be that high.
* approved, 5-0, an ordinance exempting certain real and personal property from ad valorem taxation for economic development purposes by Valmont Industries. Prior to the vote, the commission held a public hearing, but no one spoke on the issue.
* Commissioner Shane Krause reminded citizens hauling grass clippings to the compost pile to not leave their plastic bags so they don’t lose the privilege of that site.
El Dorado, Kan. —
