Garbage pickup could become stinky issue for Monterey

Monterey residents wanting cheaper prices on garbage pickup may have to do their own bidding.

During a regular meeting, town councilwoman Emily Bailey said a resident approached one of the local garbage companies in regards to serving Monterey and obtained an estimated quote that Bailey presented to the council.

It was discussed that if garbage were collected throughout the town using the same company, the town would bill each home or duplex.

Fleury suggested that the town be surveyed to see who’s interested.

“It would have to be the whole town,” Bailey said. “They are not going to bill each individual homeowner. They’re going to bill the town, so we are going to have to collect that money like the sewer.”

The problem is that some residents don’t regularly pay their sewer bill causing the town to lose money. The same could happen with garbage pickup.

Some residents use a garbage company, while others burn their trash. Some also use locals, who pick it up and take it out of town for a price. Residents who utilize a garbage company may have a contract and if broken would cost them.

Clerk-treasurer Linda McCune said there has been a problem with the county recycling and if it doesn’t stop, the county may discontinue it. The county has complained that garbage is being thrown in the recycling.

Council members will weigh the pros and cons of a townwide garbage pickup service and discuss it at the next meeting.

In other business:

• A public meeting on the 2016 budget was held. No comments were made from the public. The budget will be approved during the next regular council meeting on Oct. 14.

• Minutes from the Aug. 5 meeting were approved.

• Fleury said the town has been corresponding with the state in regards to grant funding that the town will be awarded for upgrading of the sewer system and wastewater plant. Later in the meeting, Fleury said they need to consider what can be eliminated from the sewer project because the town may not be able to make payments on the county loan at the current loan amount. McCune suggested that the town hold a work session and speak with the engineer to “see what we are allowed to do.”

• Extending the boat ramp at Kleckner Park is on hold. At the last meeting there was discussion of graveling that area. Bailey suggested the town rethink the gravel because it will wash away when it floods. Fleury said the other option is asphalt. The town will look to see how much it will cost.

• Fleury said he contacted NIPSCO about rerouting an electric line that runs through a resident’s yard. He has yet to hear back from NIPSCO and will try again.

• Town attorney Crystal Brucker said she has met with county attorney Kevin Tankersley and sheriff Jeff Richwine in regards to enforcing the golf cart ordinance. “We are in the process of putting together an interlocal agreement. We put that together. It is now at the county attorney’s office. We’re just waiting for them to make revisions that they might need, so that we can take another look at it and have the sheriff sign it,” Brucker said. After it is approved by all those involved, the ordinance will be enforced.

• A request for a community development commission meeting to be held at the town hall on Oct. 6 was approved.

• A request to block off CR 600 E., between Main and Washington streets on Oct. 10 for a private auction was approved.