Trash fee hike given approval

DUNKIRK - Financial issues and a need for better accounting procedures were major topics for city council Monday.

An increase in trash collection fees was approved by council members, but not before a discussion about the need to keep council members informed on the status of city finances.

The new "per unit" trash collection rate of $9.65 per month matches the amount being charged to the city by Best Way Disposal, Farmland.

The rate in the BestWay contract (currently in the third of a three-year deal) has been increasing each year, but the city fee has not kept pace.

Council member Judy Garr asked Jane Kesler, city clerk-treasurer, to provide more detailed financial reports at the council meetings in the future.

The refuse collection fees had been operating at a deficit level for some time and were $2,600 in the red at the end of 2009, Kesler explained in recommending that the charge, collected on water and sewer bills, be increased.

Kesler said money from the city's general fund has been covering this deficit, but that practice shouldn't be continued.

Also council members raised the issue of people falling behind on their trash fee payments and the need to adopt more of a get-tough policy, possibly placing liens against property.

City attorney Bill Hinkle said the trash collection contract is based on having 1,050 water meter customers in the city, and that figure should be checked to be sure it was still accurate.

On another issue regarding finances, Hinkle presented the council with a proposed ordinance establishing a special K-9 donation fund. For about the last year the police department has been collecting donations, aimed at acquiring a police dog on the force.

However, a debate ensued Monday night when Garr asked how much money had been collected for this purpose so far. Kesler initially replied that she thought "the balance as of tonight (Monday) was right about at $3,000."

Councilman Eric Bowler responded that he had been told by Patrolman Bobby Johnson, who is slated to be the new canine officer, that the fund had more than $6,000. Then Dunkirk resident Pam Bunch interjected that she had been told the total was closer to $7,000.

After a short review of city financial records, Garr came up with a figure of $6,890, but this money was not all in one fund.

Hinkle's proposal calls for all the canine funds to be placed in one special "K-9 Donation Fund." Following more discussion, Hinkle's proposal won unanimous approval. Dunkirk Police Chief Dane Mumbower was not present for Monday's council session. However, he has previously stated that the city plans to add a police dog for searching for missing persons and illegal drugs sometime this spring.

Also during the meeting, councilman Chuck Rife suggested that the city consider more options than just getting a German shepherd as its police dog. He noted that some law enforcement agencies use hound dogs or beagles. Rife said the dog should be used for "its nose and not its teeth."

In addition Rife said that in response to conduct at some of the recent council meetings, he recently met with Mayor Ron Hunt and agreed on the several points to keep the meetings more orderly.

Rife said that the mayor should preside over council meetings for the purpose of conducting city business. "We have many serious issues confronting us," Rife said.

"It is O.K. to bring information to the attention of the mayor and council. It is also O.K. to question the mayor and council members about their decisions.

"Members of the audience will however observe some basic rules when speaking. This includes not speaking out without recognition and not interrupting the business of the council. We expect speakers, when they are recognized, to come to the podium with their thoughts organized and speak in a sensible manner," Rife said.

"We will not allow the council meetings to turn into a sideshow by individuals using insulting language or seeking applause. People who do not comply with these simple rules will be warned and if they persist, will be removed from the meeting," Rife said.

At Monday night's meeting, the only audience member to address the council from the podium was Dunkirk resident Lisa Street who complimented city officials for undertaking such a difficult and often thankless task.

However, she also noted that many of the comments being made about Dunkirk on the Internet do not present a positive image. On the contrary they make Dunkirk look "very, very bad," she said.[[In-content Ad]]