If you want to raise the hair on the backs of council member's necks then just say two words: "Waste Management."
During Tuesday morning's meeting, city council members showed their dissatisfaction over the job Waste Management personnel are doing for the citizens of Meridian. More than one of the members of the panel spoke of problems they've seen, including sloppy work and inconsistent pickup routes.
"They just don't seem to give a damn," said Ward 1 Councilman George Thomas, clearly disgusted with the service he's seen. "Maybe if we quit paying them they'd wake up!"
What suddenly raised the ire of the council members was an order on the agenda to authorize Waste Management to remove and dispose of contaminated soil generated from a manhole overflow at the Certain Teed facility located at the South Industrial Park. The cost to dispose of the waste at the Chemical Waste Management Facility in Emelle, Ala., would cost $9,000. But given the mood of the council members it was a real possibility the order would not be approved.
"I would love to see some sort of consistency in how they do their jobs," said Ward 5 Councilman John Harris.
"I've been taking pictures of all the trouble spots in my area," added Council President Mary Perry of Ward 2.
Attempting to calm down the sudden outpouring of Waste Management bashing, Mayor John Robert Smith said he was going to meet with the regional representative from Waste Management and the city official whose job it is to oversee their work to try and rectify the problems loudly voiced by the council members.
"We have someone on staff whose job it is to monitor their work and we will make sure they are aware of our concerns," said Smith.
And the order to allow Waste Management to dispose of the hazardous material? It was approved with the only dissenting vote coming from Thomas.
In other business, council members unanimously approved an order to permit the use of Meridian Parks and Recreation Frank Cochran Center to be a Red Cross Shelter.
The council also authorized raises to city employees, police and firefighters as stated in the FY 2009 budget. Those raises represent a 2 1/2 year commitment of a 5 percent raise for police officers as well as 5 percent for firefighters. City employees will receive a 3 percent raise.
Local News
‘That's just garbage!’
Council members riled at Waste Management
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In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
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The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.
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Man dies of gunshot wound
Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.
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Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
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Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
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Keeping time with the Disabled American Veterans
When you are responsible for transporting area veterans to Jackson to meet their medical appointments, you better be on time.
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