Two rather interesting discussions took place during the meeting concerning possible changes to the township's zoning ordinances and the township's recycling program.
The first discussion concerned whether or not the township should allow murals to be painted on the sides of residential homes or places of businesses. The talk circled around what would be considered appropriate "ART" and what could be considered as a sign or an advertisement and subjected to zoning ordinances.
There are currently township zoning regulations that address signage but there isn't anything in the statutes that pertains specifically to what a "mural" is. The concern of the township committee is that art is subjective and what could be seen as beautiful to some could be perceived as an "eyesore" by others and don't want murals popping up around town or up and down highways 35 & 36 unregulated.
The second discussion concerning the township's recycling program would effect everyone in town. Due to the economic slow down in China and the relatively low cost of crude oil, the demand for recyclable material is at an historical low. Therefore the money that the township receives in return for recyclables is much lower today than in previous years. As a result, residents will need to be more aware of what "is" and what "isn't" recyclable.
With single stream recycling, recyclable material doesn't need to be separated by residents before pick-up. Instead, the separation of materials take place at the recycling centers, where material that is considered garbage is sent to the landfill and good material is sent out for recycling. The township however gets a "charge back" by the processor for the garbage that is sent to the landfill which cuts into any money that the township received for its recyclable materials.
As always, you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.
2 comments:
I thought single-stream recycling was the best thing since sliced bread. At least that is what our Township Committee has touted since its inception. It made life so much easier for the homeowner because they did not have to sort their recyclables. Another great idea that will be flushed down the toilet.
Single stream recycling increases the number of homes that participate and the amount recycled. It also incurs some additional costs due to the garbage that is included. All in all, though, more recycling is better.
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