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Minutes for the special called City Council meeting on August 30, 1993.
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SPECIAL CALLED MEETING - August 30, 1993
The Jonesboro City Council met in a special called meeting at 6:00 p.m. to discuss sanitation proposals which call for the resident to pay $8.00 for curb-side trash pick-up or $12.00 for backyard pick-up. Present were Mayor Brodell, City Clerk, City Attorney and all council members.
Chairman of the Sanitation Committee, Councilman Jim Hannah introduced Public Works Director, Guy Lowes. Mr. Lowes reported that the sanitation fees for Jonesboro residents has not increased since 1985, even though there has been an increase of 3600 homes in Jonesboro, due to annexation. Mr. Lowes stated a reorganization took place in March of this year which eliminated two routes and six workers. This was due largely impart to a better quality staff and because 30% of Jonesboro's residents place their trash at the curb side. Mr. Lowes explained the Sanitation Department must address issues such as a city wide recycling program, increase in inflation, and an increase in Workmen Comp claims. He stated that sixty-two percent of all Workmen Comp. claims come from the Sanitation Department. Mr. Lowes submitted a survey of seven cities in Arkansas. They were: Pine Bluff, North Little Rock, Fayetteville, Texarkana, Ft. Smith, Hot Springs, Jacksonville, and Jonesboro.
Discussion followed regarding hardship cases. Councilman Hannah explained that the 300 cases listed in Jonesboro would continue to receive backyard service at $8.00 per month. Many of the 300 hardship cases are financially as well as physically challenged.
Another issue raised was apartment owners who pay for customers utilities. Due to leases landlords are unable to increase the rent for a certain period of time. Mr. Wade Robertson, an apartment owner, stated he would have a $3,000.00 monthly increase should this procedure be adopted, and he explained he is not given a choice in the matter.
Sanit...
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