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Unprofitable recycling service discontinued
Citing a poor market for recycled materials, the city has learned late last week that service by Lake Area Recycling Services,
(LARS) will be halted.
Monday, at the regular meeting of the city council, mayor Joe Powell said the city is researching other options adding that LARS
said that it collected $10 of paper materials, costing $58 to sell it. In addition, he was told that the dumping charge, which has
been $100, has been bumped to $300.
Powell said the "city is disappointed with the surprise announcement and regrets the short notice given to our citizens."
Until a new recycler is found, Auburn residents are encouraged to take advantage of the free dump at the LARS facility in
Springfield. The 24-hour drop is at 2742 South Sixth behind Kicks Recreation Center (old Furrow building).
One of the city's calls was to Sangamon County Recycling Coordinator Angela Harris hopefully being able to coordinate service
with a local waste hauler.
Otherwise Monday's short one hour and 15 minute was mostly routine.
On a 4-3 vote, the council turned down an emergency vote on a local property that is being sold at 320 North Grand, needing a
November 30 completion. Because of its first reading, then second reading vote procedure, the council had to vote (three-fifths) to
allow passage Monday.
The three no votes, Therese Svetlik, Matt Gillock and Chris Warwick, were not against the annexation, but did not want to set a
precedent.
In its first order of business, city attorney refreshed the water line scenario affecting several houses near the junction of Route
4 and Divernon Road. The water line has been termed illegal by the IEPA.
City attorney Pete LaBarre told the council that the first step in the process to settle the dispute would be securing an easement
for a new line from Jim McClelland. That came out of the acceptance of a Compliance Commitment Agreement between the city
and IEPA. This must be done by April 1, 2009 to allow a water main extension currently served by the West Van Buren and South
Eleventh Street water line.
Later in the meeting, Larry McClelland, while on the subject of a house that is partially torn down at 10th and Jackson, told the
council that he was sure that the easement could be obtained.
Concerning the house on Jackson, because of a property line dispute, he has not been able to get a building permit because
of the small size of the lot and setback restrictions. McClelland was advised to put together a building permit application with
facts. He said he would do that this week.
As the subject was set to change, Barb Stamer said, "Larry McClelland, take down those walls," which brought a chuckle from
all in attendance.
The council, following an Administration Committee report, said that suggestions for an agreement with the Ambulance Squad
to use space at the city garage was being worked out. Chairman Carolyn Berola presented the findings of the committee to
LaBarre who will draw up an agreement. Insurance is a big factor along with cost of utilities, maintenance of the space (25 x 45
feet), annual reports, etc.
LaBarre also explained the tax levy process, an annual item, asking if the council wished to continue with the past policy of
adding five percent to the corporate and park levies. No tax increases are involved. The city must pass these levies to be able to
collect what's coming to it, to insure that any new growth and housing assessment increases are included. The motion passed
7-0 (Landers absent).
The council also approved a request by city employees to allow them a four day holiday weekend. On a 7-0 vote, the council
allowed the employees to work a full day both on December 24 and December 31 which would allow them to take Friday after
Christmas and New Year's off. Normally, they work half days December 24 and December 31.
For the month of October the city showed a finance balance of $ 68,815 as of October 31. The general fund spent $26,087, but
has a balance of $24,958; gas spent $9,306 and has a balance of $793.42; water spent $109,232, with a balance of $48,395 and
sewer took in $12,995 but is in the red slightly at ($5,331).
Citing a poor market for recycled materials, the city has learned late last week that service by Lake Area Recycling Services,
(LARS) will be halted.
Monday, at the regular meeting of the city council, mayor Joe Powell said the city is researching other options adding that LARS
said that it collected $10 of paper materials, costing $58 to sell it. In addition, he was told that the dumping charge, which has
been $100, has been bumped to $300.
Powell said the "city is disappointed with the surprise announcement and regrets the short notice given to our citizens."
Until a new recycler is found, Auburn residents are encouraged to take advantage of the free dump at the LARS facility in
Springfield. The 24-hour drop is at 2742 South Sixth behind Kicks Recreation Center (old Furrow building).
One of the city's calls was to Sangamon County Recycling Coordinator Angela Harris hopefully being able to coordinate service
with a local waste hauler.
Otherwise Monday's short one hour and 15 minute was mostly routine.
On a 4-3 vote, the council turned down an emergency vote on a local property that is being sold at 320 North Grand, needing a
November 30 completion. Because of its first reading, then second reading vote procedure, the council had to vote (three-fifths) to
allow passage Monday.
The three no votes, Therese Svetlik, Matt Gillock and Chris Warwick, were not against the annexation, but did not want to set a
precedent.
In its first order of business, city attorney refreshed the water line scenario affecting several houses near the junction of Route
4 and Divernon Road. The water line has been termed illegal by the IEPA.
City attorney Pete LaBarre told the council that the first step in the process to settle the dispute would be securing an easement
for a new line from Jim McClelland. That came out of the acceptance of a Compliance Commitment Agreement between the city
and IEPA. This must be done by April 1, 2009 to allow a water main extension currently served by the West Van Buren and South
Eleventh Street water line.
Later in the meeting, Larry McClelland, while on the subject of a house that is partially torn down at 10th and Jackson, told the
council that he was sure that the easement could be obtained.
Concerning the house on Jackson, because of a property line dispute, he has not been able to get a building permit because
of the small size of the lot and setback restrictions. McClelland was advised to put together a building permit application with
facts. He said he would do that this week.
As the subject was set to change, Barb Stamer said, "Larry McClelland, take down those walls," which brought a chuckle from
all in attendance.
The council, following an Administration Committee report, said that suggestions for an agreement with the Ambulance Squad
to use space at the city garage was being worked out. Chairman Carolyn Berola presented the findings of the committee to
LaBarre who will draw up an agreement. Insurance is a big factor along with cost of utilities, maintenance of the space (25 x 45
feet), annual reports, etc.
LaBarre also explained the tax levy process, an annual item, asking if the council wished to continue with the past policy of
adding five percent to the corporate and park levies. No tax increases are involved. The city must pass these levies to be able to
collect what's coming to it, to insure that any new growth and housing assessment increases are included. The motion passed
7-0 (Landers absent).
The council also approved a request by city employees to allow them a four day holiday weekend. On a 7-0 vote, the council
allowed the employees to work a full day both on December 24 and December 31 which would allow them to take Friday after
Christmas and New Year's off. Normally, they work half days December 24 and December 31.
For the month of October the city showed a finance balance of $ 68,815 as of October 31. The general fund spent $26,087, but
has a balance of $24,958; gas spent $9,306 and has a balance of $793.42; water spent $109,232, with a balance of $48,395 and
sewer took in $12,995 but is in the red slightly at ($5,331).
Issue Date: Nov. 20, 2008
