District planning several events

Preparations are underway for Tox Away Day. And Jay County Solid Waste Management District is hoping to add a second clean-up event the following week.
The district board approved Monday for financial manager Freda Corwin to try to schedule a free shredding day Sept. 20 to coincide with the free day at Jay County Landfill.
Board members had expressed interest in a free shredding day at their July meeting and asked Corwin to seek quotes for such an event. She told the board Cintas charges $6,000 to have a truck on site for four hours, noting that the price is half what the organization spent to hold a similar event in 2007.
The board discussed timing of a free shredding day and decided sooner was better, with several members adding that they’ve heard inquiries about such an event.
“I’d say we try it,” said board member Dan Watson. “See what happens.”
Though it acknowledged scheduling the event Sept. 20 might not be possible on short notice, the board voted unanimously to attempt to do so. It would run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the district office, 5948 W. Ind. 67, Portland, with the free landfill day during the same hours.
Those events are scheduled the week after Tox Away Day, which will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 13 in the East Jay Middle School parking lot.
Tox Away Day offers the opportunity for residents to dispose of hazardous materials such as paint, fuel, oil, batteries, fertilizer, pesticides, pool chemicals, appliances and electronics. The first four car or truck tires and first two tractor tires are free, with charges of $2 per car tire, $5 per truck tire and $15 per tractor tire for each additional tire.
In other business, board members Jeannie Houchins, Faron Parr, Jim Zimmerman, Bill Gibson, Randy Geesaman, Milo Miller Jr. and Watson:
•Approved paying claims of $13,975.91. The district brought in tipping fees of $33,176 this month, and it has a total balance of $366,975.91.
•Heard from Corwin that she met with the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance and the district’s budget has been submitted. Board members approved a budget of $224,895 in July, and it now must receive Jay County Council approval.
•Received a report from citizens’ advisory committee member Carter Leonhard that the group discussed ways to be more visible within the community. Ideas include having recycling stations or containers at youth soccer games and events like the Jay County Fair and Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Show.
•Heard Gibson ask if anyone would be interested in picking up tires that have been discarded in streets and alleys in Portland. The possibility of having city workers pick up the tires and take them to the trailer at the county highway garage was suggested, and Geesaman said he will bring up the issue at the next city council meeting.
•Learned Gary Schaublin is no longer manager of Jay County Landfill. Brad Isenhart is filling in until a new manager is hired.