Residents
object to trustees' trash plan
By CARLA SMITH
ThisWeek Staff Writer
Trustees Joe Wharton
and Teresa Keller voted in favor of proceeding with the drafting of a bid
package for an exclusive trash-service contract and Doug Stormont voted against
it. A public hearing was offered at the March 30 board meeting.
"I've listened to
the people and as far as I'm concerned, I don't see any reason to go on with
this," Stormont said. "I am only one vote."
Residents left the
meeting, booing both Keller and Wharton as they tried to explain their
position. Both said they were doing what they thought would be good for the
township as a whole.
Trustees have said they
are pursuing an agreement with a single trash hauler for the entire township
for several reasons, including a reduction of truck traffic. Having fewer
garbage trucks on the roads would make the roads safer and would reduce wear
and tear, they said. A single trash hauler would also reduce the cost of solid
waste collection for residents and reduce the number of days trash remains at curbs
along roads and streets.
"It is in my
opinion that we move forward and prepare a bid to put in the (news)papers," Keller said. "My prerogative is what is
best for this township."
Some residents would
like to retain their favorite trash hauler. They voiced their concerns about
losing Robert Cumberlander, owner and operator of Cumberlander Refuse. He has
served portions of the township since 1967.
Cumberlander Refuse
currently picks up for 1,100 residences, mainly in the
Some residents were
upset because the committee charged with exploring the single trash hauler idea
said it was being ignored by trustees. The committee voted 9-3 to leave
services "as is." It also favored strongly the notion that if
trustees pursued a bid package, it should be non-exclusive.
"First of all, I
wasn't aware of it," Cumberlander said of the potential for an exclusive
contract. "I'm scrambling for information for my customers."
Cumberlander explained
how his business operates and the importance of treating customers well.
"I'm concerned
because of my customers," he said. "They just want to make sure their
trash is being picked up neatly."
Resident Mary Farley
said she has had Cumberlander for years and doesn't want a new trash hauler.
"You get what you
pay for and I like Mr. Cumberlander's service," Farley said. "If that
means I have to pay more, I will. When you form a committee and that committee
makes a decision, why are we even discussing it?"
"Almost everyone
on the committee said 'Why are we here?'" Bob Schultz, committee member,
said. "Let's do what the people want."
Resident Jan Pitts, who
also served on the committee, said most of the group was made up of residents
who use Cumberlander. The majority didn't want anything to change, she said,
because they wanted to keep Cumberlander.
"That was their
objective," Pitts said. "All of us who live in the township don't
have that opportunity (to use Cumberlander). They (Cumberlander) have the same
opportunity to bid on a contract."
Committee member Loni
Cunningham said going to an exclusive solid waste contract shouldn't be a
political issue. She said an exclusive contract would save money for residents
in the long run.
"We are the last
in the area to go to a single trash hauler," she said. "With two
levies on the ballot, who wouldn't want to save a little money?"
Stephanie Prince, an
attorney representing Cumberlander, said the trustees will eventually be held
accountable.
"Any government at
any level is held accountable to their constituents," Prince said.
"I've been approached by residents who want to pursue this to the very
end."
Resident Ardis
Offensend said residents should support the local man.
"They are an
outfit we should be proud to have working for us," Offensend said.
Resident Dennis Skaggs
asked trustees how many residents they spoke to concerning the issue.
Keller said she spoke
to several people who were in favor of a single trash hauler.
"Apparently you
aren't talking to enough people," Skaggs said. "We need to keep the
little businesses."
Resident Neil
Distelhorst said he doesn't know Cumberlander, but did have some concerns,
asking the board if it were possible to go with a non-exclusive contract.
"The big concern I
have is we might put a small businessman out of business or certainly hurt his
business," Distelhorst said.
Peter Griggs, township
attorney, said it's possible to have a non-exclusive contract.
"One has not been
done in central
"I think the board
needs to explore that option," Distelhorst said.
Keller said she hoped
that Cumberlander will see this as an opportunity for his business. When
looking at the bid process, trustees will consider the lowest bidder and
service to residents.