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Monday, 24 December 2007 |
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Page 1 of 2 By Buck Traxler, I-O Editor
Recently the city voted to change from the current manual garbage pickup system to a more automated system of trash pickup.
Currently, at residential stops, the sanitation crew has to get out of the truck and physically dump each garbage can into the truck.
“This is not only physically demanding but poses an unacceptable risk of injury and disease to the employee,” says Mayor John Shevlin.
He went on to tell the I-O, “The city has been urged by our insurance carries to modernize our garbage system to reduce these risks.”
Past and current administrations have had the foresight to put money aside in a fund to help pay for the new system, which will make it possible to hold the line on current rates while purchasing a new truck and containers.
The city has chosen a system that is similar to the ones used in Cut Bank and Shelby for several reasons.
“First,” the mayor said, “after visiting with both communities we found that they were happy with the way these systems worked for them.”
He went on to add, “Second, this allows Conrad to run only one truck. There has been a commitment of cooperation from Shelby in case of a breakdown. They have a backup truck that Conrad could use in this situation.”
The new containers will also help to prevent animals from spreading garbage down the alleys since they have lids and are difficult to tip over.
Public Works Director Rich Anderson tells the I-O, “The new truck and containers should arrive sometime in January.”
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