July 14, 2008
Council Discussing Recycling Break for Residents, Collection Agency for Past Due Fees
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Having numerous controversial issues in the works --- bar moratoriums, storm water and sewage rate increases, passing proposed homerule elements --- the Monday, July 14 Huntington City Council meeting could be a breeze before the storm clouds settle.
Two ordinances will receive second readings tonight, including one that sets penalties for unauthorized riding of ATV’s and other moving objects on sidewalks. The change will allow for citation jurisdiction in municipal court without having to turn cases over to the juvenile referee.
The final second reading supports an intergovernmental agreement between Cabell County and Huntington related to the Solid Waste Authority.
Two resolutions are routine ratification of election results in Cabell and Wayne Counties.
Although not yet finalized council plans an ordinance that would rebate $1.50 per month back to individuals who recycle. The administration considers this "revenue neutral" as the metals not going to the Kentucky landfill would offset the rebate. However, both the administration and Dr. Kent indicated that an estimate for 10%, 20% or 30% participation is possible, it will be difficult to "show the benefit side."
One resolution which “recognizes” the Native American Indian Foundation could spur disagreement. Several council members apparently see no problem in generically recognizing the group, but a few have concerns as to whether it should be “exclusively” recognized.
The vote to ratify the recently negotiated AFSCME contract will likely not take place at this meeting, as members at the work session appeared ready to send it to the finance committee for additional explanation of its ramifications.
If approved, these employees would receive no pay raise during this fiscal year, but would receive $1.00 per hour the next two fiscal years and fifty cents per hour the last two years of the five year contract.
Assigning the collection of delinquent municipal and refuse service fees to a collection agency received numerous questions at the work session. Several members of council want to ensure that those residents with a “hardship” will not be burdened by calls.
Finance Director Bob Wilhelm said we have “a big amount of collections” which balance our budget, so at this point bills delinquent back five years would be handed over to the agency which would receive 18% of what they collect. Although Wilhelm explained that those residents with qualifying “hardships would be turned back over to us,” Garry Black seemed concerned that those unable to pay would still receive collection calls from the agency.
Wilhelm seemed unsure how to avoid a call: “How do we know who the old people are?”
Director of Finance and Administration Brandi Jacobs-Jones seemed open to several solutions, such as a media education campaign that the city will begin collections (thus allowing some of the hardship cases to call before their account is turned over) and as council member Dr. Calvin Kent suggested “putting on the bill action will be taken,” so as to again allow for low income people to call the city first. “We’re not going to kick people out of their homes,” Kent said.
Council meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 14 at Huntington City Hall.
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Council Discussing Recycling Break for Residents, Collection Agency for Past Due Fees
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Having numerous controversial issues in the works --- bar moratoriums, storm water and sewage rate increases, passing proposed homerule elements --- the Monday, July 14 Huntington City Council meeting could be a breeze before the storm clouds settle.
Two ordinances will receive second readings tonight, including one that sets penalties for unauthorized riding of ATV’s and other moving objects on sidewalks. The change will allow for citation jurisdiction in municipal court without having to turn cases over to the juvenile referee.
The final second reading supports an intergovernmental agreement between Cabell County and Huntington related to the Solid Waste Authority.
Two resolutions are routine ratification of election results in Cabell and Wayne Counties.
Although not yet finalized council plans an ordinance that would rebate $1.50 per month back to individuals who recycle. The administration considers this "revenue neutral" as the metals not going to the Kentucky landfill would offset the rebate. However, both the administration and Dr. Kent indicated that an estimate for 10%, 20% or 30% participation is possible, it will be difficult to "show the benefit side."
One resolution which “recognizes” the Native American Indian Foundation could spur disagreement. Several council members apparently see no problem in generically recognizing the group, but a few have concerns as to whether it should be “exclusively” recognized.
The vote to ratify the recently negotiated AFSCME contract will likely not take place at this meeting, as members at the work session appeared ready to send it to the finance committee for additional explanation of its ramifications.
If approved, these employees would receive no pay raise during this fiscal year, but would receive $1.00 per hour the next two fiscal years and fifty cents per hour the last two years of the five year contract.
Assigning the collection of delinquent municipal and refuse service fees to a collection agency received numerous questions at the work session. Several members of council want to ensure that those residents with a “hardship” will not be burdened by calls.
Finance Director Bob Wilhelm said we have “a big amount of collections” which balance our budget, so at this point bills delinquent back five years would be handed over to the agency which would receive 18% of what they collect. Although Wilhelm explained that those residents with qualifying “hardships would be turned back over to us,” Garry Black seemed concerned that those unable to pay would still receive collection calls from the agency.
Wilhelm seemed unsure how to avoid a call: “How do we know who the old people are?”
Director of Finance and Administration Brandi Jacobs-Jones seemed open to several solutions, such as a media education campaign that the city will begin collections (thus allowing some of the hardship cases to call before their account is turned over) and as council member Dr. Calvin Kent suggested “putting on the bill action will be taken,” so as to again allow for low income people to call the city first. “We’re not going to kick people out of their homes,” Kent said.
Council meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 14 at Huntington City Hall.
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