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| Comm'r Felix Barnard listens to trash talk |
Freshman Commissioner Marty Zawarski made the case for the single hauler. He argued that there would be fewer trucks and less of an impact on Township roads. He reasoned that deadly CO2 emissions would be reduced. In a state known as "the Saudi Arabia of natural gas," the Township could even require trash haulers to use trucks powered by natural gas instead of diesel fuel. He pointed out that it might cheaper, too. In Hanover Township, for example, which uses a single hauler, the bill is about half what he pays.
Zawarski also pointed out that at least 25% of the trash in his apartment complex comes from outsiders, where he periodically pulls out envelopes addressed to nonresidents.
"You are treading on a subject that will be very, very controversial," warned long-time Commissioner Tom Nolan. A little more bluntly, Commissioner Mike Hudak asked, "Why do we want to open up this hornet's nest again?" Even more bluntly, President Paul Weiss asked, "It doesn't seem to be broken. Why should we try to fix it?"
Hudak added he's heard no complaints from any residents, and told Zawarski that a single hauler would put many small haulers, including some Township residents, out of business.
Manager Howard Kutzler added that, if the Township decided on a single hauler, he'd need additional staff for the billing and operational concerns. "We are not ramped up to be in the trash hauling business," he advised, although he acknowledged that it does present an opportunity for more revenue at a time when real estate taxes are flat.
President Weiss stated he'd ask Palmer Township about its recent experience to use a single hauler, and report back to Commissioners. But Nolan stressed that, at this point, "the issue is not on the table for any action."
One issue that was on the table, however, was an architectural and engineering study for the Township's 50,000 sq. ft. Community Center, built in 2006. Numerous HVAC issues have plagued the Center. "The building is used quite hard, almost every day of the year," advised Manger Kutzler, who received and reviewed proposals from nine different companies.
According to Commissioner Hudak, the "humidity issues in that building are just horrendous. We need to do something right away." Instead of interviewing the top proposals, Hudak suggested that the Board dispense with a "dog and pony show" and hire First Architects to undertake the study.
Commissioners are expected to vote on a contract engaging First Architects at their August 20 meeting.
In a final item of business, Manager Kutzler told Commissioners that FEMA has completed its flood plain analysis for Nancy Run Creek, which will impact some properties along Sunset Drive. The township will notify these affected owners that FEMA now considers those properties flood-prone.
24 comments:
why would interviewing top applicants be a "dog and pony show"? are they stating they had already decided to go with first architects before the rfp went out? if so, why isn't that wrong?
It seems like the issue of a single hauler comes up every several years. I am a little surprised that a businessman like Mr. Zawarski would be advocating for moving from competitive free-enterprise to one of government mandated monopoly. If he is paying too much he should shop around. I did that several years ago cut my bill substantially and even went from a limited amount to an unlimited amount in the process. And with any monopoly, once you kill all the small businessmen in trash hauling and have no healthy competition don't expect to "negotiate for better rates." Again, I am surprised to hear this being advocated by a Republican businessman.
Zawarski wants competition eliminated after an unofficial dumpster diving expedition. They're struggling with problems in their gym management enterprise. Perhaps they shouldn't be in the gym business. This is a screwy bunch.
If there are needs that are not being met, and would improve the quality of life, it is appropriate for government involvement if the people elect representatives to support expanding into providing a service. The Community Center is not a "gym", but a community center with a lot of activities that were not being met by private enterprise within Twp lines, and had broad support at the polls. What I read in this post is a problem with a design component (HVAC), not a management or service problem. I have actually heard more complaints that it is too small than anything else.
Anyway, to my point above, some things should not be privatized by government (national, state, or local) like police, fire, prisons, military, roads, infrastructure, and the like. In other areas, if private enterprise can meet it at a reasonable cost then just regulate it (yes, you do need SOME regulations). Many times, however, it is not profitable for business to provide various services/meet certain needs, yet these add to the collective quality of life, so people are OK with government legitimately getting involved.
In the case of garbage collection, I agree with the majority of the Commissioners' quotes. It is a service that can be met by private enterprise with government regulations.
PS...overall, as a resident I think Bethlehem Township is a well run municipality. It is pushing the population of Easton, yet look at the quality of life and services for the millage rate. Good people, good management, good community.
My biggest concern is the school district.
Can someone explain why Bethlehem Township commissioners don't have the GUTS to go with a single hauler. My brother lives in Hanover and pays 1/2 of what I pay.
Perhaps Nolan and Weiss need to have the some courage on this subject they had with the NIZ.
Anon 836am, have you shopped price?
Total BS on the local private enterprises and not meeting activities!
How much is the Township "Subsidizing" with tax dollars to keep the place (Community Center) open?
Not that it needs to make a profit but if other Township services are not being met, it needs to go into the private sector, not out of tax dollars!
Shop around on the garbage bill, we did and pay $81 per quarter or $324 per year. We could probably get something cheaper but the small local's seem to never answer their phones, I've made several attempts over the years.
Also calling BS on townships entering the gym biz. There are lots of alternatives in BT AND surrounding communities. BT residents are permitted to leave aren't they? The community center is a money pit. If it was popularly approved, the problems and cost are richly deserved. Community centers benefit the few at great cost to the many. What other private enterprises should we have these knuckleheads compete with?
Not sure where this hatred of the Community Center is coming from. Benefit the few at the cost of the many? You might have that backwards.
5:58, They stated there were 9 applicants and there had been a meeting with all of them. Perhaps a second meetig would be a "dog and pony show." I don't know. That's what was said.
It's not hatred, it's foolish spending.
You of all people Bernie understand wasteful government spending!
How can a facility that is used by so many people for so many activities be considered foolish spending? I really don't get it. I've been there myself for my grandson's basketball games, and have to say it's the nicest community center I've seen. And it is heavily used.
I think the township should get into the appliance business and sell refrigerators for cost. Imagine the savings to township residents if their refrigerator buying was pooled. They should also provide repairs and warranty service.
Also, the township should have more hair cutting options (barbers, hairdressers, etc.). The commissioners should open a beauty shop and provide services at cost.
I still don't get your objection. There are public swimming pools, public sports, public walking trails, as well as meeting rooms for public organizations. These kinds aof activities make a community a community. Yes, there is also a gym, and yes, this does interfere with privately run gyms. But there are privately run swimming pools, too. So I really don't get your beef and don't see your analogy.
Thousands of people a week use that Community Center. Definately a community asset. Imaging the government providing for once something that many people enjoy!
The objection is that hard earned tax dollars are subsidizing the center, plain and simple.
I live in the Twp, pay taxes yet I have to pay more to use it? How much am I already paying? We'll never be told the truth.
As others state, open up a community barber shop, add some pinball machines, fun activities for all!
Sarcastic? Yes, but on target...
How many government tax dollar spending programs have you taken issue with yourself Bernie?
these boys have no balls. contract hauling would be the best for the township and although the community center is a good thing for the township - they just flat screwed up with the contract to establish it. FIX IT and move on. I have come believe that we have elected several bozos to run the place. Citizens - pay attention and vote wisely
Anon 3:54 The amount of taxes you pay the Township is so relatively low, that your assertion is a joke at best. I bet you only pay a few hundred bucks a year in township taxes. Don't confuse county and school taxes with the township taxes. For that few hundred bucks a year, you got a deal. Cut the crap.
howdydek and nolan knows nothing need to be tossed. talk about living in the past.
Anon 354p: your taxes fund its 1.3 million dollar a year mortgage. Your taxes also pay for cleaning, grass cutting, light bulbs, everything. The dues pay its operating costs, like staff and equipment only..
Pretty crappy deal.
if they were talking trash they must have been talking about themselves
Yes, everyone I know in the township wants a single hauler. No cans out every day, more pickups, and no separate bill hassle.
Allentown picks up twice a week and has a single hauler so everyone has their cans out on the same day.
Contentious? Just do your job and move the township forward.
And enough with the taxes whining. It's getting really tiring. Pretty soon, there will be no services left. Surprising that the court jester of tax cutters, BOH, is in support of BTCC.
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