WARSAW — Warsaw’s regular common council meeting was extended an extra hour Monday evening, June 6, to hear residents’ concerns and complaints about the city’s new trash pick up procedures.

Approximately 10 residents spoke, most encouraging the city to go back to alley pick up. Ugliness of totes along city streets, residents not removing totes after trash pick up, problems getting totes to new locations, need for an additional container, and recycling issues were among concerns expressed.

Ashley Finney was among those who spoke, stating the one trash can “is not enough,” causing her to bring the extra trash to place in a dumpster at her business. She stated an additional tote could be received if she recycled, but stated “I don’t want to recycle, I don’t have time,” adding she has never received a recycling tote.

Sherry Dalrymple, apartment owner, noted there are 12 8-inch steps her tenants have to traverse to get totes to the street. She feels this will create a major trash issue in the winter. She also stated one of the three totes left at the apartment, in error, was possibly taken by a tenant who moved out.

Chad Zartman summarized complaints posted on a Facebook page by more than 300 individuals. He stated it would have been better to charge residents covering the shortfall and continue the service it had, instead of “less service … It would be much easier, quicker and less hassle.”

After hearing all questions and concerns, Mayor Joe Thallemer responded. Efficiency and costs in providing a free service to the residents instead of outsourcing the service was noted along with the size and ability of the new truck not being conducive for alley use. He stated 60 percent of the residents were already using the curbside for pick up, prior to the change.

It was stressed the city’s policy had not changed for those unable to get totes to the allocated spots, due to physical or health reasons. “Make a written request,” he reiterated numerous times, stating street officials will come out and work with the residents. He also reiterated contacting the street department if there are problems, so solutions could be worked out. “We will assist you in finding a better location, area … If you have physical difficulty getting it to the curb (and a letter has been sent) we will assist you.”

He stated additional totes are available to residents, but the city is asking residents to practice recycling.

“We’re asking residents to help the city save money so it doesn’t involve a trash fee. We’re not out to make the city look ugly or people mad. We’re happy to come out and help place the can or come up with a solution,” said Thallemer.

Jeff Beehler, street superintendent, noted the department has responded to requests received but there are some people “no matter what we do, are not happy.”

Both Thallemer and Beehler stated the city has done everything it could to alert residents of what would take place, except go door to door.

A potential solution for those leaving totes out 24 hours after a pick up may be sought.