Since garbage collection routes changed on November 5, fewer calls of late or outright missed pickups have been reported.
But according to Republican 2nd District councilman Russ Jehl, too many complaints are still being made, and there’s a lack of communication with residents on the status of pickups.
Jehl has outlined these things in a letter to Fort Wayne’s solid waste department, which ultimately requests a liaison hired at $3,000 per month to help keep things organized. That salary would be paid through fines incurred by Red River throughout 2018 for missed or late pickups.
The liaison, Jehl says, would answer calls and report to members of Council the status of various issues that may be present on a given day. In turn, Jehl says this could allow members to be more active and helpful in their response.
Jehl has the support of Democratic 6th District councilman Glynn Hines, who says he would like to see that person take on an active role with actual pickups to confirm how many residents are truly being missed.
“They sat at the table and said that even if they missed a whole block or neighborhood, they would only count -- per the contract -- those houses that were called in," said Hines. "And I’d like our person to go out and verify.”
It is unknown whether the solid waste department can or will commit to the request. If that doesn’t work, Jehl says he will look into legislation for next steps.
