GAS — Residents here soon may be required to pay $7 a month for solid waste collection service provided by the city, councilmen said Monday night.
Ed Cole, a commercial carrier, told councilmen a month ago he would discontinue service at the end of June. He charged $7, but collected only from those who subscribed to the service. The city may make it universal, except for a handful of businesses that use dumpsters, which would be difficult for the city crew to handle.
If all are required to participate the charge likely will be attached to water service bills, with consideration for anyone who uses water in summer just for garden irrigation.
Councilmen said they would decide the issue at their June 8 meeting, after citizens have had opportunity to comment.
Steve Robb, city superintendent, said a truck had been acquired for the trash service and “we’re in the process of cleaning it up and getting it ready.”
Councilmen want to construct a storm shelter for public use, with an anticipated Federal Emergency Management Agency grant paying a good portion of the cost, but have learned that grant success depends on a shelter being built on city property.
Fees Park was mentioned, but the city doesn’t own it, rather has a lease that puts the property under Gas’ thumb as long as it is used for a park. That leaves area near City Hall, or land surrounding the old Gas School, if USD 257 is willing to deed a plot to the city.
Mayor Darrell Catron, also a school board member, said he would discuss transfer of some of the school’s land with Dr. Craig Neuenswander, superintendent of schools. The school property is enticing because of generous parking.
Larry Robertson, a councilman and a mason by trade, said a shelter 12 feet wide and 20 to 30 feet long likely would cost at least $50,000 to construct.
CATRON said two people whose homes were just outside the city’s west limit had talked to him about having their and other properties annexed to the city.
“I told them the only way would be is if they asked to come in,” he said.
With no need to rush, city staff will examine financial implications — added valuation as well as what additional costs the city might incur — before pursuing discussions.
Councilmen also mentioned annexing areas in several places to square the city’s boundaries.
They adopted a neighborhood revitalization program, which will give property tax breaks to anyone who intends to make improvements of $5,000 or more. Property in all of the city will be eligible.
Advantage is no additional property tax on the improvement for five years with it then being phased in at 20 percent a year. USD 257, Allen County and Allen County Community College agreed to the abatement.
RESIDENT Jeff Bauer asked whether street work done last year was under warranty, noting that some approaches to U.S. 54 were breaking up.
Catron said the company intended to be back in Gas soon to repair the approaches and any other problems, on its nickel.
Councilmen accepted a bid of $2,485 from Highberger Construction, Westphalia, to raze a condemned house at 410 S. McAtee, fill its basement and make the property easy to mow. Highberger’s was the lowest of three bids.
