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Kewanee OKs 95-gallon automated trash containers and debates charging for second can and Christmas-tree pickup
Summary
Council approved purchase of 95‑gallon containers for automated trash pickup (program start date May 14) and discussed proposed code changes to charge for a second container and for Christmas-tree collection; staff cited tree-disposal costs and prior chipper injuries and the mayor asked the city attorney to review vandalism language.
The Kewanee City Council on April 8 voted to purchase 95‑gallon trash containers for use with the city's automated collection vehicles and discussed proposed amendments to the municipal solid‑waste code that would affect second-container charges and Christmas‑tree collection.
Resolution #5150 authorizing the purchase of 95‑gallon containers was approved on a motion by Council Member Chris Colomer, seconded by Council Member Michael Yaklich; roll call showed five ayes and no nays. Mayor Looney said the purchase complies with the city's purchasing policy and that residents would be notified about deliveries and the program start via the city newsletter, local media, the city website and Facebook. The automated collection program is scheduled to begin May 14.
Council discussed an ordinance to amend sections of Chapter 50 (Solid Waste Management) including a proposed charge for a second container at twice the base rate and a possible charge for Christmas‑tree collection. Mayor Looney said he thought a second-container charge at twice the rate would be expensive and that the city had never charged for Christmas trees and should not start now. Public Works Operations Manager Johnson said the city is now paying to dispose of Christmas trees and that a landscape-waste sticker would help defray that cost. Johnson also said the city had not used the chipper in years because staff were injured when using it. Mayor Looney requested the City Attorney (Raver) review the ordinance language, specifically letter G regarding vandalism or theft of containers.
The minutes do not record a final vote on the proposed ordinance amendments; Council asked for the attorney's review and further discussion.
