Expressing the need to address blight in the city, Toledo councilmen are considering a proposal to purchase $1.2 million in new equipment dedicated to cleaning up debris.
A discussion at Tuesday’s agenda review for the Sept. 27 meeting, outlined the proposal, which calls for the purchase of two mini garbage trucks, two mini loaders, two grapple trucks with swing arms, four pickup trucks, and trailers.
The new equipment will make it easier for city crews to clean up junk along roadways and at vacant properties, especially in the backyards and alleyways, said Dennis Kennedy, the city’s commissioner of urban beautification. These areas have been problematic because of the difficulty in reaching those areas, he said.
Funding will come from the Local Recovery Fund, or the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funding. A vote is expected on the proposal Sept. 27.
“Everyone is familiar with what blight is and how it plagues our neighborhoods and our community,” he said.
The beautification division collected approximately 3.1 million pounds of debris in 2021 and so far this year, more than 3.4 million pounds have been collected and removed. In addition to paying for new equipment, the funding would also cover costs to add additional staff with the goal of cleaning up even more debris next year, Mr. Kennedy said.
While council members favor the plan, many expressed their frustration that it’s needed, citing the fact that Republic Services, the private firm tasked with picking up Toledo’s garbage and bulk items, is not doing enough to keep up with the issue.
“If we’re going to purchase these things, then we should not be paying Republic $10 million, and then we’re turning around and paying money to do what they are supposed to be doing,” Councilman Cerssandra McPherson said.
Councilman Nick Komives called for a broad discussion with representatives from Republic Services, as well as the Lucas County Solid Waste Management District to address the issue.
“We are hemorrhaging money when it comes to solid waste in the city,” he said. “I think all of these parties need to be brought to the table and discuss what the future looks like.”
City Council President Matt Cherry agreed and said more needs to be done.
“We’ve had Republic issues since I came on board in 2014, and we are still having Republic issues,” he said. “Sometimes we hold their feet to the fire and things get better when we do, but then we’re right back in the same rut we’re always in. I’ve watched in my district, piles sit there for weeks and weeks and weeks on end, and that’s not acceptable. So it sounds like it’s time to bring them to the table again.”
A representative of Republic Services was not in attendance at the meeting to respond Tuesday.
First Published September 20, 2022, 10:09 p.m.
