April meetings to focus on township services

ThisWeek CW 03/28/2013

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2013/03/25/april-meetings-to-focus-on-township-services.html

Madison Township trustees have scheduled several information meetings, special sessions and work sessions in April.

The first, a special information meeting at 8 a.m. Friday, April 5, will be held to discuss renewing or replacing the township’s contract with Waste Management for trash collection services.

The meeting will be held at the Community Center, 4575 Madison Lane.

Trustees heard from Waste Management and from residents at their March 20 meeting.

Company representative John Minear said Waste Management would be willing to extend the current contract with no price adjustments.

The current contract has a quarterly base fee of $51.51, plus an adjustable fuel and environmental fee. Township Administrator Susan Brobst said the adjustable fuel and environmental fee has led to bills that are closer to $60 than the stated base fee.

“The fuel and environmental fee will vary some each time and if the resident uses a Waste Management tote, then there is an additional $2.50 charge each month,” Brobst said. “The issue is that some residents feel they are paying a higher quarterly amount than what we’ve talked about here.”

Minear said if there is a problem with residents’ bills, Waste Management would certainly look at the issue and consider refunds based on any incorrect charges.

“Residents that feel they are paying more than the amounts they are supposed to should contact the township at 614-836-5308 and provide their name, address and phone number so we can look into it,” Brobst said.

Minear said he hopes that Waste Management’s conversion to compressed natural gas and diesel vehicles will help lower the fuel and environmental surcharges. Waste Management recently opened its first Ohio CNG fueling station in Canal Winchester.

Other April meetings include:

* A budget work session regarding fire, road and administrative services at 10 a.m. April 18, with a special work session regarding police services at 3 p.m. the same day.

* Two information sessions about the township’s gas and electric aggregation initiatives on the May ballot. The first will be held at 1:30 p.m. April 18 and the second at 6 p.m., also April 18.

* A special meeting at 6 p.m. April 24 with representatives from Aqua Water, who will discuss plans for improved water service to the township.

“Aqua Water will share information about cost, any possible service interruptions and required improvements to the plant at the meeting,” Brobst said.

All meetings will be held at the Madison Township Community Center, 4575 Madison Lane.