Resident tells council garbage trucks leave bins tipped and blocking sidewalks

An 85-year-old Lima resident told Lima City Council that he has repeatedly seen garbage and recycling cans left tipped over and blocking sidewalks and said he observed truck operators move away before setting cans down.

At the council meeting's privilege-of-the-floor segment, resident Hal (identified in the record as Hal, 809 North Macass Street) said he had called the city three times over the last year about the problem and that he personally sat in his yard to observe a pickup. "When the guy pulled up, he purposely looked in his mirror, watched the arm, picked the garbage can up, dump it," Hal said. He added that after the can was set down the truck moved while the can's arm was still clearing, leaving cans tipped over on sidewalks and streets.

Hal told council that he has seen four or five cans left on the ground in a single visit and said elderly residents should not have to pick up neighbors' bins. "I'm 85 years old. I don't think I should be having to go out and pick up garbage cans," he said.

Council did not record a formal direction in response during Hal's remarks. The complaint was presented during the public comment portion of the meeting, and Hal was given the council's three-minute speaking courtesy.

Ending: The transcript does not record any immediate action or staff response to Hal's complaint; the matter will appear in the meeting minutes as part of public comment for council or staff follow-up.