Iola City Council members will continue discussions surrounding the city’s involvement in recycling at their upcoming meeting on Monday. City Administrator Matt Rehder will present the council with a request for proposals for a contractor to haul recyclable material gathered in roll-off containers.
The roll-off containers would hold cardboard, paper, plastics, and glass.
The selected contractor would be responsible for monitoring the containers to ensure the area is clean and hauled in a timely manner. In addition, the contractor would be required to haul the material to a legitimate recycling facility of their choice.
Locations for the roll-off containers have yet to be decided, however, city staff does not believe any city-owned property would be appropriate at this time.
City administration notes that if a contract is signed for this service, the monthly solid waste charge will be amended to cover the city’s expense. If the charge increases at any time, so will the monthly charge. Because of these unknowns, city staff is hesitant to recommend pursuing this endeavor, but will work at the council’s direction.
The proposed invitation for bids, if approved by council, would be opened to sealed bids until 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 26.
The council will also consider:
• The removal of four dangerous structures at 116 N. Fourth St., 306 S. Kentucky St., 602 E. Lincoln St., and 1014 N. Sycamore St.
• Adding to city code that flammable liquid storage not be allowed for residential or commercial uses. This change will help clarify that the use of propane tanks inside the city limits is not allowed.
• Allen County Farmers Market’s request to close a portion of Jefferson Avenue for the farmers market on Thursday evenings. In addition, the market is also requesting permission to use Cofachique Park on Tuesday afternoons for the market. Last year was the inaugural year for the market at the park. The market would be open from 1 to 3 p.m., each Tuesday, from May to October.
The market will also seek permission from the council to install a temporary banner at the park, promoting the market. The installation would be coordinated with park staff to ensure the temporary location of the banner is good for normal park operations.