Commissioner criticizes garbage pickup failure

Commissioner Phill Younger is fed up with what he and others perceive as poor garbage collection service on Longboat Key.

In March, Longboat Key commissioners complained about trucks breaking down and garbage not being collected by Waste Management, which just signed a new garbage and recycling collection contract with the town this past fiscal year.

Town Manager Dave Bullock informed commissioners in April that he had a talk with Waste Management and the issues were resolved.

But in an Aug. 3 email, Younger asked Bullock and town staff to add an agenda item to a future workshop to discuss the issue and consider rescinding the contract.

“It is 7 p.m. Monday and once again, with emphasis on again, only half of my trash has been picked up,” Younger said in an email to Bullock and Public Works Director Juan Florensa. “I have commented to you before about dissatisfaction (mine as well as others) with the service we have been receiving from Waste Management since entering into our most recent contract with them. Please put this issue on the agenda for our next commission meeting. At this point I am inclined to seek an end to the contract and enter into new negotiations with other parties.”

Assistant Town Manager Anne Ross told Younger she will look into the issue with Waste Management officials.

And in the meantime, Younger had one request for town officials Monday night.

“Oh, and please have all of the paper trash that should have been picked up today (Monday) in The Bayou and anywhere else this did not occur picked up tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug 4,” Younger wrote.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].