BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL HOLDS WORKSHOP ON CHANGES TO TRASH DISPOSAL

  

The Brenham City Council met in work session this (Thursday) afternoon to discuss possible changes to garbage bag disposal fees and procedures.

Public Works Director Dane Rau spoke to the council, saying that, while the per-trash-bag disposal service runs smoothly at the collection station, it has “taken a toll on operations” at the recycling station. He said the amount of work it takes to empty dumpsters, along with the limited number of staff having to handle cash, takes time away from both the yard and recycling customers.

The city has charged $1 per bag for trash disposal for over 15 years. Trash can either be brought to the collection station or recycling center.  These services are typically used by residents out in the county.

Rau said one of the main problems for the city has been its need to have sanitation drivers go off the residential route several times a day, to empty full dumpsters. Drivers sometimes have to come in early and on Saturdays, when the dumpsters get too full.

Rau said it would be better for operations, finances, and employees to remove dumpsters from the recycling center and transition everyone to the collection station. He said this decision would help sanitation staff be more efficient, and allow for added accountability.  In addition, the cost to dispose of each bag could be raised to $2, to cover costs of the service.  Several councilmembers voiced their approval of these changes, saying it was the right move for the department.

Through the year, the city takes in $80,000 at the recycling center, but these funds are directed to residential collection since they are paying the disposal fee. When asked by Councilman Andrew Ebel how much the collection station makes, Rau said he didn’t have the exact amount, but that it was comparable to the recycling center.

If approved by the council, the city would issue out letters in January, notifying customers of the change. It would begin transferring services in February.

In other items, the council approved the purchase of new playground equipment for the Blue Bell Aquatic Center (BBAC). This new equipment, which is expected around April or May, will replace the current playground close to the entrance of the aquatic center leisure pool.  Rau said what equipment, which is around 15 years old, was “due up for replacement”.

The new design is custom made, and consists mainly of recycled materials that hold up better in the chemical environment. The Brenham Community Development Corporation has voted to use savings from previous projects to fund this one, which costs over $98,000.  Despite the additional cost, projects still come in favorable to budget by over $22,000.

Also on Thursday, councilmembers:

• Issued second reading of an ordinance to create a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ).
• Approved a three-year contract with Presidio Networked Solutions Group, LLC, for $88,710, beginning January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021.  The maintenance contract will provide hardware support for network communications, like the Brazos Valley Wide Area Communications System.
• Issued first reading of an ordinance to place stop signs on Center Street at Crockett Street, Hosea Street at Riggs Street, and Duprie Drive at Stephanie Street.
• Issued first reading of an ordinance to abandon a portion of Salley Street.

Councilmembers did not discuss removing a property frontage requirement on public right-of-way at Selma Lane, as they stated the agenda item was withdrawn by the applicant.

The council then adjourned into executive session, to discuss potentially acquiring property in the downtown area.  After executive session, the council authorized the mayor and city manager to identify available property in downtown, and to negotiate with the property owner.