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Residents urge phased trash-fee increases, criticize Republic Waste service at Parma Heights meeting
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Summary
During public comment, residents urged the council to phase any trash-fee increase, cited a 23% projected property-tax rise, and reported that Republic Waste is mixing yard waste with recycling and failing to compost yard waste as promised.
Several Parma Heights residents used the public-comment period on May 23 to urge caution about a proposed increase in trash collection fees and to report problems with the city's current contractor, Republic Waste.
Renee Everett of 10109 Eureka Parkway said she supports raising the fee but urged a phased approach: "I agree it needs to be raised but I think it should be in small increments," she said, noting a projected 23% property-tax increase for Parma Heights next year and a pending school levy that together could strain household budgets.
Dale Maxwell (6835 Beresford Avenue) criticized framing that suggested residents were receiving a service 'favor' and questioned whether rate increases are justified when basic services are perceived to be lacking. Maureen Smith (6618 Newbury Lane) told council she has recently observed Republic Waste crews putting yard waste and blue cans together and said the yard waste is not being composted as residents were told; she suggested the city consider a different vendor if service standards are not met.
Janet Adams (5860 Queens Highway) asked about enforcement of the city's ordinance restricting trash cans from being set out before 4:00 p.m. the day before collection and noted specific properties with overgrown grass where she asked whether city follow-up occurs. Tammy Sebastian recounted past staffing and furlough issues during prior administrations and argued the city had preserved services; she said that historical promises not to raise rates should not bind new administrations. Sue Alexander asked whether the torn-down Greenbrier Health Center site on Rochelle will be redeveloped; the transcript records the question but no response is included in the public session.
Council did not record a direct response or immediate follow-up to each comment in the public record provided; the public-comment period is designated for residents to speak and not for council debate during that portion of the meeting. Council may choose to direct staff to investigate contractor performance, enforcement of ordnances about trash set-outs, or property-maintenance complaints in a later session or through follow-up with city departments.
The council adjourned at 7:25 p.m.