City Talks Trash At Tuesday's Public Hearing

Trash pick up service was a hot button topic in the months leading up to the November 2011 vote for cityhood - but just 20-25 people attended the public hearing at Peachtree Corners City Hall Tuesday night to express their views.

It was a time set aside so that citizens could air out just what they wanted - and what they didn't want in a trash pick up service.

Solid waste pick up is one of the three services the city was set up to provide. However due to a current contract with Gwinnett County, the city will not be able to take over the service until Jan. 1, 2014.

"What we are faced with now is we would have to notify Gwinnett County by July 9," explained Julian Jackson, the city manger. "So we want to hear your thoughts and concerns."

Currently residents pay $18.65 per month but pay just once a year. The service is billed annually on homeowners tax bills. Citizens also have the option to pay an extra $10 per month for yard waste pick up. Friday is the scheduled pick up day.

The county also offers a 15 percent discount and door-step pick up (if requested) for seniors who are 65 years of age or older.

"Our goal is to pick a hauler and to maintain or improve service - and reduce cost if possible," said Jackson.

Mayor Mike Mason invited everyone in attendance to speak out on what changes if any they would like to see in the current service.

Of the half dozen citizens who spoke out, the majority all wanted an earlier day in the week for pick up. "I would be in favor of a Tuesday or Wednesday pick up to eliminate conflict with the holidays," said Daryl Thompson, who also pointed out that it would better to have garbage picked up a day or two after a weekend when more trash is likely to be generated.

One Amberfield resident had another thought. "We've heard people that are happy, some want different pick up dates. Why can't we go back to letting people decide, why can't I decide?"

Price was another point that came up. "Our price doubled with the new county contract plus separate yard pick up," said Thompson. "What was the dollar amount promised during the campaign?" he asked the mayor.

"Only that it would be lower," answered Mason.

Alan Kaplan, who is on the city's Planning Commission, asked that the City Council consider offering incentives for recycling. Debbie Mason agreed adding that she would like bins with wheels and have haulers work with Gwinnett County to take the recyclables rather than hauling them down to Forest Park.

As part of the process of collecting citizen input, the city has been asking homeowners to complete an on-line survey which has been posted on the city's website. (The survey is open until midnight, May 30.)

"We have received 410 responses to the survey so far," said Mason. "We will take your comments, the results of the survey and roll them into our RFPs," he said.

Council member Jeanne Aulbach said the city is "looking at an all inclusive service for trash and yard waste."

Jackson said the city would be sending out the RFPs and a committee, which consists of Lorri Christopher, Jeanne Aulbach, Mike Mason and Julian Jackson, will review the RFPs and make recommendations to City Council which is expected to vote at the July 2 City Council meeting.

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