Lind Town Council votes to raise rates on dumpsters

The council approved of a $2,660 request for payment from the Department of Transportation for design services for the airfield as well as other requests for reimbursement from the USDA, the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Mayor Jamie Schmunk reported the town had been awarded a $22,000 grant with a $7,000 loan to fund the storm water project and USKH Engineer Alan Gay would explain more about the project at the next meeting.

The council also continued discussion of the Solid Waste Disposal Rate Ordinance 14-03.

The town has been charging $54.50 for a 1.5-yard dumpster and $206 for a three-yard dumpster. The council wanted to find a way to balance these amounts.

The council discussed raising the rates of the 1.5 yard dumpster to $85 a month.

Councilperson Paula Bell opposed raising the rate that high.

Bell presented the council with a break down of the town’s costs for each size dumpster and how much revenue the town collects from garbage services.

After examining the spreadsheet, Councilperson Kindra Haase made a motion to set the rates at $80 for a 1.5-yard, $90 for a two-yard, $160 for a three-yard, and $180 for a four-yard dumpster.

Councilperson Tom Strohmaier seconded the motion.

The motion passed 4-1 with Bell opposed. The rate increases will only affect dumpster rates.

Residents using the 90-95 gallon cans will not see a change to their garbage rate.

During public comment, Darla Shaver then voiced concern over a current ordinance that states homeowners are responsible for maintaining their sewer line out to the main line in the middle of the street.

According to the ordinance, homeowners are responsible for the maintenance from the property line. The ordinance also dictates homeowners hire a licensed and bonded contractor to not only repair the sewer line, but also repair the street and sidewalk needing to be removed in order to reach the sewer line.

The council agreed to review the ordinance at the next meeting.

Mayor Schmunk reported there will now be comment and concern sheets available at all times in the City Clerk’s office so concerns can be brought before the council at any time.