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Curbside calendar causes conundrum

Solid Waste Management Coordinator Cameron Baughen revealed the 2011 - 2012 curbside garbage collection calendar to the regional district’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee for commentary at the Thursday, May 12 board meeting.

The draft version of the calendar, which is awaiting imminent printing, covers all regional district areas including Penticton, Osoyoos, Oliver, and Keremeos.

The draft version also noted that collection dates for Areas “E” and “D” had changed, eliciting a comment from Area “E” Director Tom Chapman, both surprised and chagrined that pick up days were changing in the Naramata area.

“After all we’ve been through to make the changes to pick up times,  this just adds to  the potential for problems.” Chapman was referring to the lengthy process Chapman had recently undergone to get an area specific bylaw in his electoral area that stipulated times for residential placement of garbage. He feared that, should the contractor experience difficulties in pickup, the garbage might spend a whole weekend on the street.

Baughen assured him that it wouldn’t happen, noting that the contract had strict penalties for non-performance.  He further pointed out that the contractor requested the schedule changes to better utilize their equipment.

Chapman and several other directors expressed displeasure at the way staff appeared to be allowing contractor  BFI Canada free rein, and dictating the terms of service. Electoral Area “A” Director Mark Pendergraft very pointedly remarked that he expected to have the present discussion over calendar content prior to its’ layout the next time the issue arose.

Yet another attempt was made by Area “B” Director George Hanson to have his jursidiction opt out of nine specified yard waste collections during the year, stating that his constituents  for the most part, did not benefit from the service.

Area “G” Director Christensen also wished to be added to the motion, which was defeated.

Yard  waste collection remains a touchy subject, especially in the rural areas, where most directors feel there is little desire for it. Rural residents generally have enough space to compost on their own property. Still, for service beginning July l, annual yard waste collections will rise from the current six to nine, a reduction of one from the contractor’s recommendation of 10.

Several directors asked about the possibility of producing area specific calendars in order to make them easier to read. Baughen replied that doing such could have a negative impact on cost efficiencies.

Both Areas “E” and “D” will see scheduling changes to collection service, beginning in July. Area “D” will move from Monday to Wednesday pick up.