Athens City Council members revamped monthly garbage pickup rates for renters and, amid much criticism, talked about the costs of Palmerfest at last night's meeting.
The ordinance increasing the solid waste fee rates affects all rental units, including houses, apartments, condominiums and fraternity and sorority houses. Permanent residents who previously had the one-container rate will be able to keep their one-container rate if they move.
The previous rate was $9.50 for two 30 gallon containers a week, no matter how many occupants lived in a residence, according to the city ordinance.
After receiving feedback from Palmerfest, Councilman Dale Tampke, D-at large, said the outcome from this year showed moderate improvement from last year but, regardless of the actions council members choose to take, members are going to face criticism.
Public safety was a top priority when it came to budgeting for Palmerfest, Tampke said.
Council members studied other towns such as Kent, Ohio, and Ames, Iowa, to formulate appropriate action to take to prepare for events like Palmerfest. Tampke said they found that a pattern of police presence and open communication between law enforcement and residents was a successful combination.
Law enforcement officers also must discuss the consequences with those involved, and the police must be able to deliver in regards to consequences, he said.
Council members debated possible plans for next year, including having Palmer Street landlords take on more financial responsibility for the event and possibly closing the street, making Palmerfest a sanctioned event, said Councilwoman Nancy Bain, D-3rd Ward.
Councilman Paul Wiehl, D-1st Ward said some residents who had bands in their backyard were charging a cover charge and were making a profit, noting that residents could also be held financially responsible, said .
Overall, council members were pleased with the outcome of the event.
Whether we will do it the same way next year
who knows Tampke said.
17
Archives
Janet Nester
