Local hauler alleges transfer-station denial; council to investigate

Jim Ferneri, who identified himself as a local hauler and business operator, told the Altoona City Council that his company was denied access at a local transfer station "without explanation," and asked the council to investigate whether the denial is permissible under local rules and whether the transfer station should provide written criteria for accepting or denying haulers.

"I was denied without explanation," Ferneri said during the public-comment period and asked the council to "look into this issue to determine whether such denials are permissible under local rules or whether clear, fair policies need to be reestablished." His remarks raised a jurisdiction question about whether the matter falls to the intermunicipal waste authority (the IRC).

City Manager Chris told the council staff has reached out to Brock, the IRC executive director, and will review the IRC charter. "This was just brought to my attention about a half hour before the city council meeting. We will run that to ground tomorrow, and then we will get back in contact so that we can provide a way forward," Chris said.

The council did not take immediate formal action at the meeting; Chris said the city will follow up with the IRC and report back. The public commenter asked that the transfer station supply a written explanation of acceptance and denial criteria; the transcript indicates that request remains unresolved pending the city's follow-up with the IRC.

Next steps: City staff will contact the IRC executive director, review the IRC charter for jurisdictional authority, and report findings to the council.