Brockport talks about trash at public hearing

Brockport talks about trash at public hearing

When it comes to trash, the overwhelming majority of Brockport village residents want a choice. Concerns regarding the fairness of charging residents who utilize the Sweden Recycling Center and those who might pay less now than they would if village officials found a way to implement a village-wide trash pick up, were foremost in the minds of residents at the November 7 public hearing.

Trustee David Wagenhauser compiled a study of the feasibility of having refuse collection companies bid on a contract for village trash pick up. The winning bidder would provide the service to either the entire village or one or more of four village districts that would be developed. The plan, if passed, would see the village billing residents for the service.

Prior to the public hearing, Wagenhauser outlined his plan saying that the advantages to the village residents would first and foremost be financial.

"By creating economies of scale, refuse collection companies can provide their service more efficiently and would save man-hours, fuel and billing costs," he said. "Experience from the other governments show about a 50 percent decrease in rates to about $13 to $14 per month."

The annual savings to residents, he said, would be about $150 a year.

Other advantages he said, included: less wear and tear on village streets, the ability to control pick up times, refuse cans at the curb only one day per week and the ability to place more and/or other items at the curb that are now not allowed.

Resident Betty Northrup said implementing such a refuse service would place a further burden on taxpayers.

"Participation should be made optional," she said. "Would trash be picked up on one day?"

Having trash on the curbs several days a week and having the heavy garbage trucks on the village roads potentially causing infrastructure problems were a couple of the driving forces behind the village looking into a new way to deal with trash.

Northrup pointed out that the new service wouldn't equate to a cost savings for those taxpayers who either utilize the recycling center or who combine their trash with a neighbor. "You need to listen to everyone, not just those who complained about seeing trash cans on the streets or who don't like the noise of the trucks," she said.

Former trustee Norman Knapp said he thinks there should be a mechanism implemented for individuals to opt out.

Representatives from Waste Management and Suburban Disposal agreed it was a delicate balancing act to meet the needs of residents, protect village infrastructure and provide a necessary service. They were concerned that the bidding process would force smaller haulers out of business.

Eric Grimm from Suburban Disposal said, "We haulers struggle with picking up trash at a time that's convenient for residents but that still allows us to make it to the landfills before they close for the day."

For those with minimal refuse, there must be options for lower cost pick-up than for those families that might generate more trash, Ann Lee Walker said.

"My real concern is the village is taking away personal freedom of choice," Norm Giancursio said. "Also, this will hamper free enterprise and I wonder if the village will have to hire an employee to administer this. Will there be more costs incurred by the village if this plan is implemented?"

Wagenhauser said administrative costs would be figured into any plan and price structure that would be released.

He agreed there might be drawbacks for some residents and said other municipalities state that the system works best when all residents participate.

"This type program would adversely affect those who 'pool' their trash, take their garbage to the recycling center or are gone for extended periods of time," he said.

No vote was taken at the end of the hearing. Mayor Mort Wexler said the board would take all concerns into consideration and are still open to hearing residents' concerns on the matter.