Some Athens residents and Ohio University students living off campus might be required to use standard containers for their garbage cans in the future.
On Monday, Athens City Council members adopted an ordinance that declares a special high-density residential zone that might require two garbage pickups per week or the use of standardized cans.
The designated area goes from High Street down Carpenter Street and Stimson Avenue to the Hocking River, said Councilwoman Nancy Bain, D-3rd Ward.
Currently, residents can use any type of garbage can, and there are no size guidelines.
Bain said additional garbage hauls -and maybe extra charges -might be implemented to solve the high trash problem in the city.
We're trying to find out what can work
she said. There certainly are no models (like Athens). We're unique.
If a change is made, Bain said she thinks standardized cans would be used before additional hauls.
In other council news, sewer rates were increased by 10 percent to be in compliance with the Athens City Code and the Clean Water Act.
Costs will vary for residents depending on the amount of water they use, Bain said.
I think with me I'll be paying about $2.40 (extra) on my bill
she said. It's our obligation as citizens to clean the water up and put it back in the river.
Council members also discussed Halloween weekend for the 2004-05 school year.
There is a way
if people want to have a street party
to have it thought-out and organized. And I don't see that happening now
said Councilwoman Debbie Phillips, D-4th Ward.
Paul Wiehl, D-1st Ward, said blocking off the street, stamping hands of attendees and charging a fee might be possible changes to the street party.
A lack of safety teams was of concern to council members as well. Mayor Ric Abel said the city needs a non-profit group to help, which has not happened.
Unless you get some community group to step in and say 'I want to manage this
' you can't get that festival mentality
he said.
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