Staff reports

Selma residents will be pulling garbage carts to the curb starting May 2, according to city officials.

The city is currently distributing about 6,000 carts to city residents who will have to adjust to a different kind of service.

Public Works Director Henry Hicks reported to Selma’s Council Monday about the project.

“We’ll be ready to go,” Hicks said.

Tuesday’s pickup date has been the result of months of planning by the city’s Public Works department, including several public forums, the training of staff and the delivery of the new 96-gallon carts.

The city, anticipating questions, has issued a guide on what to expect throughout the transition period.

DISTRIBUTION

OF CARTS

Carts will be distributed between April 21-May 5, 2005

All customers shall receive a Cart by May 5, 2005

The initial placement of Cart will be where the cart needs to be placed on a weekly basis

Every Cart will have a notice of pick up day attached

If a customer has not received a Cart by May 5, 2005 or their garbage has not been picked up by May 5, 2005, please call General Services at 874-2165

Cart shall remain at residence at all times

Serial numbers on the Carts will identify property address and location of the Cart

USAGE OF CARTS

Usage of Carts provided by the City is mandatory

Replacement or additional Carts are currently Fifty Dollars ($50.00) (cost may vary year to year)

CURBSIDE

Beginning on May 2, 2005, garbage will be picked up

once per week

Garbage Carts must be on Curb by 6:00a.m. (Carts may be rolled out to the curb the night prior to scheduled pick-up)

Within 24 Hours after pick-up, Cart must be returned to the rear of the residence

Position the Cart with lid opening facing the street

Place Cart free of low hanging wires and branches

Place Cart away from objects (i.e. Mailboxes, cars, etc.)

EXEMPTION OF PAYMENT

Customers are eligible for exemption from garbage fees when their only income is Social Security Benefits

Must present verification of income to Finance Department

2005 exemptions will remain in effect for the remainder of the year.

2006 exemption requests must be presented between November 1, 2005 and January 10, 2006

Eligible customers are still required to roll Cart to curbside for pickup

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

Physically incapacitated customers may receive special assistance (not required to push Cart to the curbside)

Must obtain verification from a doctor stating that customer is physically incapacitated and

(a) Must live alone or (b) everyone who resides in the home must be physically incapacitated

Must present doctor’s statement to the Finance Department

Verified physically incapacitated customers will receive back door pick up service at no additional cost

THINGS NOT TO DO

Do not leave lid open on Cart

Do not put bricks, trash, electrical goods, etc in Cart

Do not deface Cart

Do not place garbage on top of Cart or beside Cart

Curbside- $12.00

Backdoor- $24.00

Physically Incapacitated- $12.00

Exemption of Payment- $0

Physically Incapacitated and Exemption of Payment- $0

Annual Prepayment Discount- Must be paid in the month of February

Curbside- $132.00 annually

Backdoor- $264.00 annually

VIOLATIONS

Giving false information

Failing to abide by Ordinance

Failing to pay garbage fees

Defacing and/or destroying Cart

If cart is negligently or intentionally damaged, garbage customer will be billed for the cost of replacement or repair

If convicted of any violation of this Ordinance a fine, not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or up to six (6) months imprisonment, may be imposed.

COLLECTION OF GARBAGE FEES

Customer has ten (10) days from the date of invoice to pay bill

If bill is not paid within ten (10) days, a past due notice will be sent after thirty (30) days

If bill is not paid within sixty (60) days, a delinquency notice will be mailed

If bill is not paid within ninety (90) days, the account will be forwarded to the Court system