By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
After months of talking trash, Bowling Green City Council took action Monday evening on a new garbage collection ordinance. The new rules require garbage bins to be stored within enclosed areas, in side or back yards, with lids closed.
The ordinance was too tough for some, too lenient for others – but was passed as a compromise by unanimous vote. That common ground was recognized by council member Bob McOmber as a distinct difference between the nation’s government and communities like Bowling Green.
“Not a darn thing gets done because no one will compromise,” McOmber said of federal government.
“This legislation approximately splits the difference,” he said, noting that council members Daniel Gordon, Sandy Rowland and John Zanfardino wanted the ordinance to be stricter, while members Theresa Charters Gavarone, Mike Aspacher and Bruce Jeffers would have preferred looser rules.
“This really is a compromise solution,” McOmber said.
Rowland said she would have preferred tougher rules. “I think Bowling Green deserves better,” she said, voicing her dislike of trash bins sitting on the side of homes. “We don’t need to set the goals so low.”
But Gordon said any change is progress.
“It is the compromise that we worked out,” he said. “It’s a concrete improvement for residents of Bowling Green.”
Council members also unanimously agreed Monday evening that the penalty for not following the ordinance will not result in the trash bins being confiscated by the city. Instead, civil infractions will be issued and fines will be levied.
It was decided confiscating trash bins would be too labor intensive and could result in further trash violations by the residents. “We could be creating another problem,” Rowland said.
The first infraction would result in a warning, the second a $25 fine, the third a $50 fine, and the fourth a $100 fine. “I like the fact that it’s incremental,” Zanfardino said.
If the fines are not paid at leased homes by the renters, the fine will then shift over to the landlord.
Aspacher said that city administration is planning an educational effort for citizens, which is hoped to create compliance. “We don’t really want to cite anyone,” he said.
Waivers may be granted to people who apply, who have true hardships in complying.
Council also agreed unanimously to speed up the timetable on the ordinance and give it second and third readings Monday evening, so the education process can begin and be in place when Bowling Green State University students arrive later this month. The ordinance won’t be implemented for another 30 days.
“The public wants us to move on,” Rowland said.
Lori Tretter and Mayor Dick Edwards congratulate Police Chief Tony Hetrick.
Also at Monday’s meeting, Mayor Dick Edwards announced that the recent assessment of the city police division by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies showed Bowling Green’s force met all standards.
“It’s really good news that we came through with flying colors,” Edwards said, especially considering all the problems being faced by police departments across the nation.
“This bodes well for not only the police division but the community as a whole,” the mayor said.
Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter said the rating cannot be achieved easily, “this comes from hard work.”
Police Chief Tony Hetrick said the accreditation team found that Bowling Green police rarely resort to using force. In 2,700 contacts with the public, force was used once, he said. After the council meeting, Hetrick said the division’s ability to resolve issues without using force is due to training and discipline.
“I’m very proud of the men and women of the Bowling Green Police Division,” he said. Then he repeated a phrase used by former chief Tom Votava. “We don’t police the community. We police for the community.”
Council president Mike Aspacher complimented Hetrick on the professionalism of the officers. “Though we come to expect it, we shouldn’t take it for granted,” Aspacher said.
In other business, council:
- Heard from Planning Director Heather Sayler that the consultants working on the neighborhood revitalization plan were in the city last week and met with 35 people about the project. A community meeting will be held later this month on the effort.
- Learned from Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley that an open house will be held for the new building at Wintergarden Park on Aug. 25 at 4 p.m.
- Heard from Public Works Director Brian Craft that a lot of progress is being made replacing crumbling sidewalks through the city’s 50/50 program which shares in the cost with residents.
- Set a meeting on Complete Streets for Sept. 6, at 6 p.m., prior to the city council meeting.
