Councilman Tom Waniewski Newsletter - June 2008
June 9, 2008
It's been one month since the city initiated the new automated trash pick-up. At the same time, the city began the new fee schedule for recycling. I've asked for an update on the number of people in the city who are recycling. Most of the recycling in the city occurs in District 5, which I represent. Councilman Joe McNamara has learned that the revenue generated from non-recyclers is higher than originally budgeted. Call it bitter sweet. The city has more revenue because the number of people we all hoped would recycle are not.
City Council will consider an ordinance requiring owners of a vacant residential property to register their properties. As of this writing, I am not in support of this ordinance. Because so much can be misconstrued in a 10 second sound bite, I wanted to explain my reasoning.
While I applaud the hard work of the city's department of neighborhoods, I feel the registry forces an unnecessary burden on law-abiding, tax-paying, property-respecting individuals. There are many exemptions for NOT paying the initial $100 fee, however I believe it adds another layer of government beuracracy to home ownership. The burden of proving that your home should be exempt from this fee (you are selling it, you are living in Florida for the winter, etc.) is on you.
I believe the government should leave you and your property alone. Current laws relating to abandoned and neglected homes are already on the books and should be enforced. If someone is willing to abandon their home, I'm not sure they're willing to come down to city hall to tell the government they're abandoning their home.
There are more than 2,000 homes for sale in Toledo as of June 4th. 1,300 are vacant. Most of those are respectful owners who keep up their properties so they can be sold.
...that during this past, horrific winter, 284 claims were made by motorists against the city for damage related to potholes?
...that in 2007, only 30 such claims were made?
...that in 2006, only 37 such claims were made?
...that in 2005, 291 such claims were made?
...that the city in all four years made zero payments in such claims?
Thanks to the great crew at Engine House 25 on Central Avenue for their hospitality. Thanks, John, (pictured far left) for inviting me to dinner. The firefighters fixed the best plate of spaghetti and meatballs I've ever had. Incidentally, all the kitchen utensils, coffee pot, food, television, in the firehouse was purchased by the firefighters themselves and NOT the city. Later, the crew had an emergency run on which I was able to ride.
If you're interested in joining the Citizen Police Academy, give my office a call. The city will enroll a limited number of residents. You must be willing to take part in a ten-week course that meets one night a week for three hours.
It has been wonderful to see all of the graduation parties in the neighborhood. The rituals that convey joy also profess hope. It is my hope that you'll be safe this summer and enjoy the time with your families.
If you have any questions or concerns about city services, please give me a call or drop me an email.
If you are having difficulty in life -- addictions, foreclosure, domestic violence, cancelled health coverage -- please call 2-1-1. This is a free service of the United Way of Greater Toledo. Just pick up the phone and press those three digits...2-1-1.
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