Bandera readies Trail of Lights and hears Republic Services update on senior pickup, recycling

Republic Services representative Terry Golick updated the City of Bandera council on company activities and local partnerships, including a program with Bandera ISD called PACE, a $1,000 donation toward a park holiday event, and the company’s willingness to amend the local contract to provide smaller totes or pickup accommodations for senior and handicapped customers. ‘‘We can amend the current agreement...and we can amend it for the senior citizen and the handicap...that can get a better way,’’ Golick said, adding that drivers will assist listed seniors by bringing carts to the curb and returning them after pickup.

Golick also invited council to tour his recycling center on the outskirts of town and described grant and sponsor work the company supports. The Republic Services update concluded with offers to coordinate with city staff on service options and to help promote community events.

Later the parks committee (Council members Palmer and Pitts and volunteers) reported that the 27‑foot Christmas tree had been delivered and that the Trail of Lights/‘Country Christmas’ event will include vendors, Santa, a high‑school jazz band, face painting, a snow globe photo opportunity and a scavenger hunt. Organizers said they have secured sponsors and are planning volunteer workdays to prepare displays; they are coordinating with public works on electrical checks and with the county/utilities on infrastructure questions. The committee asked the council to consider policies for donor recognition and to help with logistics; staff said more details and a program will be released as the event date approaches.

What happens next: organizers will continue workdays and solicit sponsors; Republic Services and city staff will follow up on possible contract amendments and senior pickup accommodations. The council discussed infrastructure and will monitor costs and funding sources for decorations and electrical improvements.