FRANKFORT, Ind. – Automated trash collection has a start date for residents of Frankfort – October 31. The Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety gave approval Monday (September 12) for a $1.1 million program enhancement to the way trash is collected from residential customers.
“I think the thing that really caught me the most was when [Shane Langemeier of Best Equipment Company] had the videos here and showed us the safety factor, I always was concerned about that – I wouldn’t wanna be on the back of a garbage truck for sure,” commented Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets. “And then, when you brought that and showed it to us, it really made us realize how important the safety of our employees are.”
The 10-year lease-purchase financing from Huntington National Bank includes the purchase of two new 33-yard, right-handed helping hand extenders mounted on Freightliner M2 chassis trucks in addition to one used 2009 Labrie Automizer right-handed mounted extender. The City will also trade in three older trash trucks. A total of 5,616 96-gallon trash totters will be purchased with a city design etched onto the side plus a unique serial number will be etched on the front of the toter for residential identification.
The toters will be delivered to residential customers approximately one day before trash collection day beginning October 30. Where trash is collected will remain in the same location unless residents are notified by the street department of a change in collection area.
Frankfort Street Superintendent Jason Forsythe said, “They will be dropped off at the street as a convenience thing for the contractor, but unless you’ve talked to me or any of my staff, your pickup area will be the same. So if you’re in the alley and you haven’t been told that it’s going to the street, you’re gonna be picked up in the alleyway.”
Mayor Sheets broke down the lease-purchase as the first 5-years will be for all items – the toters, two new trucks and one used truck; the next two-years only the new trucks and toters; and the final three-years only the toters. The yearly lease payment amounts will decrease each year.
Attorney for the City Les Bergum described the lease-purchase model as a way to remain under the debt ceiling the city has as defined by state law.
“The lease will be a master lease that will be entered into shortly before the equipment arrives. And, there will be three lease schedules that align with the three different components for the lease-purchase and by state law each annual payment is subject to appropriation of the funds by the common council. And at the conclusion of the lease, on payment of a dollar – a symbolic dollar – the equipment will be titled to the city.”
Residents will not be charged for the toters as well as no additional service fees will be charged with the enhanced collection program. A previously planned three-year service rate increase of $2 per year will remain in effect with 2022 being the first, 2023 the second, and 2024 being the third.
Information regarding the automated trash collection service will be sent in upcoming utility bill statements.
