The Daily News

Beginning July 1, Wahpeton residents will see a change in their garbage pickup service.

The Wahpeton City Council voted 7-1 Monday in favor of a Public Works and Safety Committee recommendation to discontinue residential garbage service in all alleys. Waste Management, supporting the movement at last week’s Public Works and Safety Committee meeting, said discontinuing the service is mostly a safety issue for them.

Wahpeton officials said the large garbage trucks break down the infrastructure easily and create frequent maintenance for street crews, especially in dirt or gravel alleys.

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“It’s still going to be curbside pickup. We’re not changing the contract. [Waste Management] is still picking up the garbage once a week,” said Alderman Lane Wateland. “It’s not that we’re losing service or changing service, it’s just a matter of where you have to put your garbage.”

Before council members voted on the item, discussion centered on residential opposition to the change in pickup. Alderman Meryl Hansey said he had one inquiry from a south side resident who was concerned about how they’d get their receptacle to the curb during the winter months. Hansey suggested they wheel the dumpster to the avenue side street.

“I also told them that Waste Management is really good to work with,” Hansey said. “If you have a problem and can’t get your garbage out, because of a disability or you just can’t do it, let them know, they’ll bend over backward to make sure that garbage gets picked up.”

Alderman Alisa Mitskog, who voted against the change, said she’s had several phone calls of opposition from varying age groups. She questioned if the decision should be made at Monday’s meeting, due to the effective date being nearly two months away.

“I don’t remember any of these issues coming up at the time of the signing of the contract,” Mitskog said, questioning the date of contract expiration. “I would really like to have the public weigh on this and see if there can be some compromise.”

City Attorney Steve Lies indicated Waste Management’s contract with Wahpeton expires in 2012. The city recently granted the company an extension when they approved the new recycling program.

In other business:

• The council approved the reassessment of street lighting fees, which raises the single family rate 50 cents per month and the commercial property rate $3 per month.

• Mayor Jim Sturdevant declared May 6 as "Wings Over Wahpeton Day" in appreciation of the Canadian Snowbirds, Pietsch Air Shows and Harry Stern Airport for organizing a "once-in-a-lifetime" event for the city. The air show begins at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

• Council members approved a parade request from Wahpeton Police Chief Scott Thorsteinson. A parade will be held in conjunction with Chahinkapa Zoo's Blue Goose Days on Saturday, June 6.

Comments

Darnell wrote on May 14, 2009 9:17 PM:

" You people sound like you take garbage out everyday. Alley up keep is enough, so keeping the big trucks out of there will help. "




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Life long resident wrote on May 14, 2009 6:24 PM:

" Not all housing is set up for street service and I don't want to see garbage can streets. "




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John T wrote on May 13, 2009 2:35 PM:

" Do you people have to whine about everything? All the bad things happening to people in this world and you big babies cry because you have to put a little effort into getting rid of your garbage? If you don't like it....move. Please just move away. "




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why wrote on May 12, 2009 7:12 PM:

" The people who are saying that they will just leave their garbage dumpsters by the road all the time....Obviously you still have to walk such long distances to put your garbage in your garbage container. Hence, you would still be walking the same distance if you decided not to take your dumpster with you. Same amount of work so you might as well bring your containers with you and stop complaining. "




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another reader wrote on May 12, 2009 4:55 AM:

" George must be mad.. or on the council. :) I agree, for many homes it is not that easy of a task during the winter months. Residents should have been asked... "




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reader wrote on May 11, 2009 9:27 PM:

" you people worry way too much over something so simple. just take your garbage out where it is easier for them to pick up. change can be good. "




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Irritated wrote on May 11, 2009 1:27 PM:

" I don't think some people realize that we don't have the luxury of pulling our garbage down a paved drive way. Often times it is behind a garage through the yard to the boulevard. In the winter it can be very difficult. I am thinking of just leaving my garbage out front some where versus the haste of dragging it all over to get it out front.. "




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GEORGE wrote on May 10, 2009 10:57 AM:

" WOW.. PEOPLE WOULD RATHER SEE THEIR ALLEYS TORN UP BY THE TRUCKS THAN TAKE THEIR GARBAGE CANS AN EXTRA 100FT. PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THE ALLEYS AND CITY TRYS TO HELP THEN THEY COMPLAIN ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO HELP. SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST GETTING LAZY. "




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Tax payer.. wrote on May 8, 2009 9:58 PM:

" Hello reader.. some of us live on nice streets where we can roll the garbage right out to the street. Where I live the garbage needs to be rolled from my alley alongside the walkway over my sump house to the front yard.. not so easy a task especially in the snow. Not all homes are the same facing the same way. There are two sides to every coin! "




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DN Reader wrote on May 8, 2009 7:40 AM:

" Maybe it's time Wahpeton residents worry about something more worth while rather then where they'll have to move their garbage dumpster once a week. It seems as if the council has your best interest in mind on most things - such as flood protection didn't you guys make out pretty good in March ? "




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Chuck wrote on May 7, 2009 11:26 AM:

" I too have decided that I am not hauling my garbage and recycle can back and fourth. It can sit on the boulevard. It is a pain enough during the winter especially when the boulevard is piled high with snow. I bet my bill isn't going to be lowered either. I will just look at the cans as new lawn ornaments!! "




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Taxpayer wrote on May 7, 2009 11:15 AM:

" Maybe it's time for a major change in the city council? We voted them in and we can vote them out! Who do they represent? "




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reader wrote on May 6, 2009 11:28 AM:

" Wow if people can't even haul thier garbage from their house to the street that is pathetic. People are complaining about one extra chore, once a week get over it, other people have to haul their garbage farther than that. "




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DISAPPOINTED wrote on May 6, 2009 9:50 AM:

" Well- I am have decided that my garbage and recycle can will sit permanently on my boulevard. I am not dragging them down the alley to the street every week. Might look tacky but that is what the wonderful council voted on!! "




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