“We’re going to give them their way and let them keep their garbage in the back alleys,” Lakes said. “When they (the alleys) get torn up, we won’t use county money in the future. Instead, we will assess them on their property taxes.”
More than 30 residents expressed their opposition to the ordinances during a raucous meeting Thursday.
The ordinances angered many of the residents who have had Rumpke trucks come through the alleys to pick up trash for decades. A few weeks ago, the village asked residents to take their trash out to the front curb while the alley behind Morris Avenue was being repaved. Many residents thought this to be a temporary change, however council members, at the recommendation of the village engineer, opted to make the change permanent to extend the life of the newly-paved alleys.
Both ordinances were approved as emergency measures and went into effect upon council’s approval on Thursday. Because they were approved as emergency ordinances, residents cannot seek a referendum vote. If council wishes to reconsider its decision and repeal those ordinances, the earliest that could be done would be at their next meeting scheduled for Dec. 20, said Mayor Patti Hanes.
She said the village engineer looked at the alley on Friday and there may be safety issues with U.S. 127 that could have council reconsidering their decision.
Councilman Paul Stidham said at Thursday’s meeting the village received $100,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds from Butler County for the project. That amount varies between $300,000 and $500,000, he said.
Stidham and Hanes also pointed out the village incurs additional liabilities for damages to vehicles or people who use the alleys and are injured.
Larry Marlow, a Morris Avenue resident who parks his semi cab at the rear of his home, passed out fliers and went door to door to gain the support of other residents.
On Friday, Marlow said he was “on top of the world.”
“I don’t know why they are reconsidering,” he said. “This was a joint effort among neighbors and nothing would have happened with their help. The village came together and we thank council for giving us back our alleys.”
Marlow said he understands council thought they were doing the right thing when they made their decision.
As for having the village assess property taxes of residents to repair alleys in the future, Marlow said, “That’s fine.”
“I don’t mind that and I know it will be a hardship on some people,” he said. “If we need it, we need it. We have to do what we need to do.”
“Everything turned out real good,” he said.
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