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Mingo hears update on rubbish collection ordinance

MINGO JUNCTION — Village Council on Tuesday was updated about work on an ordinance to regulate rubbish put out for collection.

Mayor Ed Fithen and members of council have raised the issue of residents and property owners putting out large amounts of rubbish for the monthly collection. Some of the items are placed out weeks before the scheduled collection.

Councilman Jeffrey Schuetz, chairman of the ordinance committee, said the committee is studying restrictions on what can be placed at the curb for rubbish collection. He said landlords are abusing the service by placing an entire household of items at the curb when a tenant leaves.

“We want to start charging for the larger items,” he said.

Councilman Adam Peeler said council needs to determine what is considered rubbish and what will and won’t be picked up.

Council members have been complaining about landlords remodeling a house and putting construction debris out for collection.

The village has a tax levy for garbage and rubbish collection.

Village Solicitor Ernest Wilson said council could put reasonable restrictions on the rubbish placed at the curb.

Councilman George Irvin, chairman of the water and sewer committee, said he still is working on proposals to replace water meters throughout the village.

He already received two proposals from water meter companies and is awaiting for a third proposal to be finalized.

Irvin said he will show the committee the three proposals and wants council to quickly act on a recommendation. He said the village’s water meters are old, some have been tampered with and others are not accurate because of age.

“(Water meters) are the source of income for the water department,” he said.

Irvin noted new meters are accurate and can provide real-time data to the water department. Newer meters can transmit data showing a leak inside a home, resulting in the homeowner being quickly notified saving the homeowner money.

Councilman Jack Brettell asked for an immediate finance committee meeting because of concerns with money in certain departments. He said there are seven paydays left in the year and some departments will run out of money.

“We need to have a finance committee meeting as soon as possible,” he said.

Village Administrator Bob Smith said the cost of demolishing and removing the former Weisberger’s building cost the village $22,500. The building on Commercial Avenue was destroyed in a fire on June 22.

Smith said he still is researching ownership of the building. He said, if an owner can be determined, the village will be sending a bill for the demolition and removal to the owner.

It was announced that Jim Zorbini, water plant superintendent, has submitted his resignation and will be returning to the Bridgeport water department.

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