Mandatory garbage proposal trashed by Red Oak Council

RED OAK — After several months of discussion and study, Red Oak’s City Council decided to dump a mandatory garbage collection proposal.
By a 4-1 margin, the Council voted to indefinitely table discussion on the proposal following several complaints from residents, some of which spoke at last week’s meeting.
 “The City should have no reason, whatsoever, to be involved in trash pickup,” Steve Finn said. “There is no way in God’s green earth my bill is going to be lowered because the City gets involved in trash pickup ... you should just be enforcing the ordinances that are already there.”
After two residents and one person who lives outside of the City limits voiced opposition to the proposal, the Council voted it down 4-1, with Ivan Craig casting the lone vote supporting it.
“I have gotten nothing but negative comments and not one positive comment,” Council member Mark Gregg said. “So I have a tough time supporting it.”
Council member Tom Pratt said he learned something by conducting a “unsceintific survey.”
“I found that people have a real, personal relationship with their garbage hauler,” he said.
Craig believes the Council, as well as the public, was reacting more to fiction than fict.
“Tell me what’s been boted on and what’s in place ... nothing,” Craig said. “I understand there are a lot of people against it ... but I think a lot of it is a reaction to a lot of rumors going on out there.”
Also at the meeting, the Council:
— Voted 4-1 to approve the second reading of the snow removal ordinance pertaining to sidewalks. The ordinance requires a third vote before its enacted, and would increase the amount of time residents have to clear their sidewalks from 12 to 24 hours, before a warning, and then a citation, is issued. It also increases the fine from $10 to $50. Craig cast the lone dissenting vote.
— Approved the sale of 203 E. Linden Street or Iris McAnly for $1,200. As part of the purchase, McAnly agrees to repair and renovate the exterior of the house and garage within one year, and the interior of the two buildings within two years, at which time she will offer the house for rent or sale.
—Agreed to pursue extending a water main south of the Country Club and south of railroad tracks on J Avenue.