Trash plan revised, legal mess likely
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Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 11:56pm
Public Works Director Art Simonian told the Town Council last night that his department is working on a plan to keep trash collection going in the event that voters support the initiative to stay with conventional trash pick-up. A referendum on the issue will be held June 23. Deputy Mayor Steve Morelli said the potential reverse on trash removal is going to present “a boatload of problems” for the town.
If the conventional pick-up is approved, it will take 15 days to enact that measure, according to law,
During this waiting period, Trash-Away will continue its services as its contract will be in place. After that is terminated, due to the referendum passing, the town ‘s public works department will work on an interim plan for disposal while the search continues for a new conventional vendor. Trash-Away sent a letter to the town June 15 stating that it will not do conventional pick-up.
Town Attorney Robert Weber said if the initiative is passed there are multiple legal issues to untangle. He called the situation “opening a can of worms.” He has been speaking with Trash-Away legal representatives. One concern is that the passing the trash initiative may be a constitutional issue. Weber explained that is illegal to pass a law that retroactively undoes a contract.
Check the website for ongoing updates on your trash collection.
