Red River Waste Solutions became the garbage and recycling contractor for the City of Fort Wayne on January 1, 2018. Since that time, trash and recycling pickup for residents and ratepayers has been unreliable. There were many missed pickups in winter. There have been many missed pickups in summer. Many of these problems go unresolved for days.
If it doesn’t get better, we may have to change the city flag.
Red River has blamed this poor track record on many things. Poor weather has been blamed. Sickness among workers has been blamed. Equipment malfunction has been blamed. New drivers and crews have been blamed. Yard waste season has been blamed. And reported in a recent News-Sentinel article, even city residents have been blamed.
Six months to learn the job is more than enough time for Red River. We Fort Wayne residents are tired of missed pickups. We are tired of having to report misses to 311. We are tired of watching trucks pass blocks of unemptied bins. We are tired of seeing and smelling overflowing garbage bins.
We want the City of Fort Wayne to hold Red River Waste Solutions accountable for its inaction. We want the City to impose penalties for missed contract targets.
We simply want the trash and recycling trucks to run on schedule. That surely isn’t too much to ask, is it?
Sign our petition HERE: https://bit.ly/2HvusM5
This petition will be delivered to City Council and the Mayor before a June 19 meeting where this issue will be discussed. Please sign. Please continue to report missed trash and recycling pickups to the City 311 Call Center or report online to https://cityoffortwayne.custhelp.com/app/Fortwayne/home
Sincerely,
Steve McCord
President – Historic Southwood Park Board of Directors
Association-Wide Garage Sales June 9
The Association will place ads in Fort Wayne Newspapers and post signs around Southwood Park. You should post balloons or a sign in front of your house on those Saturdays to let buyers know you are participating.
Other neighborhoods having sales the same day include Historic Fairmont Neighborhood, Historic Foster Park Neighborhood Association, Williams Woodland Park Neighborhood and Historic South Wayne Neighborhood Association. It should be a very big day!
It’s a great way to make space in the garage or basement, earn a little pocket cash, and get out and meet your neighbors! Or it could be the chance to snap up some great bargains. In any case, it’s fun. Good luck!
There have been questions and concerns shared about both recreational fires and open burning in the neighborhood. We hope these press releases from the City sheds some light on the situation.
City press release:
RECREATIONAL CAMP FIRES
There is a city ordinance that shall be followed whether you are installing a campfire/fire pit, an enclosed bowl type or fireplace type enclosure for a recreational fire, please see the ordinance stated below. With any of these products, please remember to follow all the manufacturers’ specifications, directions and any and all guidelines recommended by the manufacturer. Please take all fire safety precautions when cooking or having a recreational campfire.
The following is the city ordinance relating to open burning and recreational camp fires.
The code states this;
A barbeque pit or grill is a stationary or portable device, with either electric, gas or charcoal fuel, which is used for the preparation of food and is allowed by code, but not within or on balconies of any apartment complex.
A fireplace(like an in-home style whether built or store bought) which is meant to be a part of your deck or patio is not regulated but there are some safety issues to think about which are the same as the rules for a fire pit. A fire pit or campfire which is meant for recreation, scouting events or family cookouts shall be subject to the following conditions listed;
- A garden hose connected to a water supply, buckets, shovel, fire extinguisher or other approved fire extinguishing shall be readily available at the burn site.
- Only wood products shall be burned-no leaves, paper or trash.
- A fire shall be attended by a responsible party at all times until completely extinguished.
- A fire shall be located at least 25 feet away from any structure, fence or right of way.
- A fire shall not exceed an area 3 feet wide by 2 feet high.
- If the open burning creates a smoke nuisance, or a hazardous condition exists, the open burning shall be immediately extinguished.
Anyone who recklessly, knowingly or intentionally kindles, or maintains any open burning consisting of a trash fire, leaf fire, bonfire, refuse fire, or other open burning that damages property of another person or spreads to property of another person may be liable for criminal mischief.
Any person who maintains burning of combustible materials out of doors or open burning not permitted shall be in violation and may be fined 50 dollars. If the violator does not appear in response to a notice issued to them within a period of 30 calendar days from the date and time shown on the notice, the penalty shall be 75 dollars.
If you have any further questions you may contact the Fort Wayne Fire Department at the 260-427-1479.
Please take the extra time necessary to exercise safety at all times.
AND THIS ALSO:
As the leaves begin to fall from the trees, people look for ways to remove them. For those considering burning leaves, twigs or trash that have accumulated on their lawns, the Fort Wayne Fire Department reminds everyone to avoid open burning as a general rule.
FWFD Fire Marshal Jim Murua says, “No one is to kindle or maintain open burning consisting of a trash fire, leaf fire, refuse fire, or other open burning according to Fort Wayne City Code.”
He explains that there are two exemptions allowed under certain conditions.
1. Bonfires celebrating school pep rallies are one exemption which requires obtaining a Burn Permit from FWFD at least 24 hours in advance of the permitted open burning. Call 427-1102 for more information or with questions.
2. Recreational camp fires for scouting or family cookout activities are allowed without a Burn Permit and are subject to the conditions listed below.
These exemptions must be subject to the following:
· A garden hose connected to a water supply, buckets, shovel, fire extinguisher or other approved fire-extinguishing equipment shall be readily available at the burn site.
· Only wood products shall be burned ‘ no leaves, paper or trash.
· A fire shall be attended by a responsible party at all times until completely extinguished.
· If the open burning creates a smoke nuisance, or a hazardous condition exists, the open burning shall be immediately extinguished.
· A fire shall be located at least 25 feet away from any structure, fence or right of way.
· A fire shall not exceed an area three feet wide by two feet high.
Anyone who recklessly, knowingly or intentionally kindles, or maintains any open burning consisting of a trash fire, leaf fire, bonfire, refuse fire, or other open burning that damages property of another person or spreads to property of another person may be liable for criminal mischief.
Any person who maintains burning of combustible materials out of doors or open burning not permitted shall be in violation and may be fined $50. If the violator does not appear in response to a notice issued to them within a period of 30 calendar days from the date and time shown on the notice, the penalty shall be $75. Repeat violators will be fined.
Please take the extra time necessary to exercise safety at all times.
My observation is that most of us place our trash and recycling out the night before pick-up. Red River Waste Solutions, Councilman Ensley, and columnist Kevin Leininger are placing some of the blame on residents in this article. That’s bunk.
The residents of Fort Wayne didn’t suddenly change their habits on January 1st. The only thing that changed was the pick-up contractor. Whatever software Red River claims to be using isn’t working. Streets that have boulevards or streets that have curb pickup on one side and alley pickup on the other seem to foil their system.
Continually poor service from Red River Waste Solutions needs to be addressed by The City of Fort Wayne imposing penalties for failing to meet contract standards.
Contact City Council at citycouncil@cityoffortwayne.org with your concerns. Continue to call 311 or visit their website at https://cityoffortwayne.custhelp.com/app/Fortwayne/home.
Steve McCord
Yards are looking great in Southwood Park, but here is information about reporting tall weeds and grass to 311, which begins today. Let’s all remember to keep weeds and grass under control along our alleys and those little corners of our backyards!
CITY PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS:
May 21, 2018 – The City of Fort Wayne’s Tall Grass/Weed Program kicks off today, May 21, 2018. Neighborhood Code Compliance is responsible for enforcing the City’s Weed Program, which calls for weeds or grass to be no taller than nine inches.
For the first time this year, Weed Inspectors will be using a new computer app that allows them to do all their documentation in the field using an iPad. Because traditional paperwork normally takes about 1.5 hours per day, this time will now be available to respond to calls from the public, increasing productivity by approximately 25 percent.
Reports of high grass or weeds that exceed nine inches will be accepted beginning today; the public should call 311 or 260-427-8311 to report a possible violation. Online complaints may be filed at www.cityoffortwayne.org/citizen-services. Individuals reporting a violation will need to have the property’s specific street address to register the complaint.
Reports from the public of possible weed violations will be addressed beginning May 22, after the eight seasonal, part-time Weed Inspectors have completed their first day of training. Inspectors respond to reports from the public but also act proactively to identify high weeds and grass, particularly along high-traffic corridors.
“One property that is not mowed and looks neglected can negatively impact an entire neighborhood,” said Cindy Joyner, director of Community Development. “By helping remove blighting influences, the Weed Program can help protect property values and improve the quality of life in our city.”
When Weed Inspectors determine there is a violation, they take date-stamped electronic photos and post a placard on the cited property. As a courtesy, an abate notice is mailed to the owner of record who then has five days to correct the violation. After five days, the City’s mowing contractors will inspect to see if the property is in compliance and if not, they will mow and also take date-stamped before- and after-photos. The owner will then be charged for the mowing; if the invoice is not paid within 30 days, a lien will be placed on the property.
When Brian Wagner purchased his Tudor Revival thirteen years ago at 1149 Westover Road he was also returning to the area in which he had grown up. Having been a resident of Lafayette Esplanade on Maple Grove in his youth one could say he had a lingering affection for the ‘07. As many others in our neighborhood he had also lived in Historic West Central neighborhood for many years where he is currently the Director of the popular Arena Dinner Theatre (where you can still see the hilarious “Calendar Girls” this weekend!)
He and his partner Steve Van Anda decided a year ago that their taupey-beige and grey-blue trimmed Tudor deserved a facelift and went about the process of collecting estimates for paint and siding options. Ultimately, painting won out for aesthetic and budgetary reasons; the siding companies only wanted to cover the half timbering, cedar shakes, and stucco with similar “look” materials which didn’t appeal or make sense to them. Last August their home received a well-deserved new coat in several shades of creamy avocado green against high contrast black storm windows and it is stunning. The fun warm violet hue on the front and back doors, brackets and porch columns highlight details with a complimentary punch. A coveted front porch hosts room for a comfy chair, swing, and a few crocks of pansies. Obviously, their Tudor has many show-stopping curbside details which have been featured beautifully by color but they also have a handsome new wood deck in the rear lovingly built by Steve, a new period-minded door on the color coordinated garage both bordering a charming perennial garden with koi pond. Let the relaxing summer season begin!
Congratulations to Brian and Steve on their well-deserved Historic Southwood Park May home of the month award. Your 1920’s starlet may be in her second act but she will be stealing the show on Westover for many years to come.
— Erika Stuller
Do you have another nominee for a Southwood Park Award Home for an upcoming month? Send your nominations to Southwood_Park@yahoo.com.
Dirt Day 2018: May 5
Every year since 1978, the Association has purchased quality soil for residents to use in their gardens, flower pots, and yards. This is our 41st year helping Southwood Park gardeners! On May 5th, we are having 12 cubic yards of quality tri-mix soil from Felger’s Peat Moss delivered. All you have to do is take your wheelbarrow to the sites and get what you need!
If there is a weather-related delay, we will announce plans here and on Facebook. Last year, we pushed the date a week later to avoid Dirt Day from becoming Mud Day.
We are picking some of the wider street areas. By popular demand, we will have a site in Section B this year! There will be three dirt pickup sites:
Indiana Avenue at Maxine Drive
South Wayne Avenue at Maple Grove Avenue
Westover Road at Crestwood Drive
Dirt is for Historic Southwood Park homes only! No dumping. Please take only what you need, and be considerate of other neighbors.
