Richwood Village Council heard from Dennis Baker, a representative from the North Central Solid Waste District (NCSWD), during Monday night’s regular meeting.
Last month, the NCSWD mailed a survey to the village residents with a list of questions regarding trash and recycling. Council members said they were amazed at the number of responses received.
Baker said 796 surveys were mailed and the 283 were returned with responses – approximately 35 percent. Baker said that 20 percent is an excellent return, but 35 percent is wonderful.
The survey asked questions such as what type of home do you live in and how many others live there also; how much trash do you typically generate; what do you pay at this time for trash pick-up; would you be interested in curbside trash and recycling collection if the monthly cost was less than you currently pay, etc.
Baker said that the NCSWD represents six counties – Allen, Champaign, Hardin, Madison, Shelby and Union counties with their trash and recycling efforts.
It was also mentioned that five names would be drawn from surveys answered and received and each person would win a $100 gift card. Winners drawn during the meeting were Christy Bradley and Larry LeMaster of West Ottawa Street, Larry Atherton of Pearl Street, Ted Troesch of West Ottawa Street, Jennifer Chahbown of Kells Lane and Jacob Sarver of West Bomford Street.
Council members said they appreciated the efforts of NCSWD in helping mail and compile the results. Council will continue to look over the surveys and discuss the topic.
In other business, council:
-Learned the next meeting of the Planning Committee will be held at the administration building on Monday, March 12, at 6 p.m., prior to the regular council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m.
-Heard from Mayor Scott Jerew that the Union County Community Care Day is set for May 15. Any resident seeking help with a project, such as painting, landscaping, cleaning house, washing windows, sweeping, etc., may submit an application before March 16 to United Way to be matched with a crew of volunteers.
-Learned from Jerew that the electric company has moved utility poles on East Bomford Street. As part of the project, new water, sewer, sidewalks and pavement will be installed, using some grant funds the village received.
-Was told that work continues with the title search for the opera house. Once council secures a certified deed, it can discuss plans for the building, which could include renovating the building or selling it.
-Heard that Tim Monroe was hired as a full-time street department employee.
-Was told the park project has started and crews are working to file easements through two North Franklin Street properties to access the lake for the trail project.
The next meeting of council will be Monday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m.