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Citizens share concerns about trash pick-up
Fort Scott City Commissioners heard community feedback Tuesday on trash and codes problems in Fort Scott.
Several community members, including representatives of several local trash companies and other residents concerned about the issue, packed the commission meeting room to hear commissioners discuss trash and codes enforcement in the city. One of the main issues is how to address the problem of citizens without trash service and those who allow trash and other debris to pile up in alleys and yards.
Many attendees asked questions and provided their own views on the matter.
Local resident Dennis Davis asked how much of the trash problem is related to rental properties and how much is personal property. Davis said he "thinks the landlord should be responsible for their property."
"Are tickets going to the landlord?" Davis asked.
"We ticket everybody. They're both responsible," City Attorney Bob Farmer said.
"I think people are happy with trash haulers. They do a great job," Commissioner Jim Adams said.
There was some discussion on how possibly local trash companies, city codes officers and community members can work together to help address the trash issue and help facilitate trash service for people.
"How do we get these people (with trash problems) to current haulers?" City Manager Dave Martin asked.
A suggestion was made by an audience member to keep the current trash service system in the city "like it is," to applause by many of those in attendance. Currently, residents have their choice of private companies to haul their trash.
"The problem is with codes," local resident Jim Shoemaker said. "How many (codes personnel) do you need? It's not just trash, but furniture, and it's making our town look bad. A hauler won't pick up furniture."
Other ideas presented at the meeting included conducting a citywide cleanup day three to four times per year, and appropriating money to city cleanup and the codes department.
"I think we also need the community to help keep the town cleaner," Mayor JoLynne Mitchell said.
Davis said he feels there is currently some city "manpower not being fully utilized." He said police officers, firefighters and other personnel could assist with the codes issue.
"There are city personnel driving around town everyday," he said. "Write a ticket and let the codes people have it."
"We have to write a letter first (to the resident with the codes violation)" Martin said.
There was some discussion related to enforcing tickets issued by the city for codes violations, and possibly lowering the $150 fine for noncompliance with codes. City officials said problems include offenders not showing up to municipal court and not paying fines. Another problem is people not cleaning up their trash.
In response to a question about how many people pay the tickets, Farmer said, "maybe two people can pay the ticket."
"There are a lot of ways for the city to collect money (for fines)," Farmer said.
Bob Eckles, director of The Beacon, a local food pantry and assistance agency, asked about recycling in the city after the recent closure of Hill Street Recycling.
"We get a lot of cardboard at The Beacon," Eckles said.
Martin said he has "reached out to some people" regarding recycling as "we do need it." He said the city "can't take on" regulating a recycling business in the city.
"It has to be supported and that takes money," Adams said. "I'm not willing to put taxpayer dollars into that."
Greg Fess, representing 4-State Sanitation, said the local company is looking at plans to offer recycling services in the community.
"It's not our goal to take over anything," he said. "We're looking at equipment ... by the end of the year."
Local business owner Kevin "Skitch" Allen said he likes the idea of "bringing the fine down a little" if "nobody pays the fines."
"And maybe so many hours of community service," Allen said.
Commissioner Sam Mason said city officials need to debate the codes issue.
"It was never our intention to get into the trash business," Martin said. "It's about how to fund more codes."
One resident brought up the idea of getting the community more involved in helping with the issue. Bailey Lyons mentioned the possibility of conducting a citywide cleanup event.
"If the people show up and help," she said. "Would that work?"
There were some drawbacks to that idea brought up at the meeting. One of those is some people would save up trash for several months then bring it out for the cleanup event. Another is the cost to the city to conduct such an event.
"I don't think we have the best answer or route," Mitchell said.
Director of Finance Jon Garrison mentioned the idea of a private city cleanup involving local trash haulers, "instead of just using city equipment and staff."