Portage takes another step in new garbage pickup plan
By John Robbins Post-Tribune correspondent September 10, 2012 4:46PM
Updated: September 10, 2012 10:40PM
Portage has taken another step forward in converting its garbage collection method from the current hand toss from curb to truck to the semi-automatic tipper system that uses a hydraulic lift system on the truck to lift and dump the garbage container.
At Monday’s Portage Board of Works meeting the board approved a $30,449 contract with Best Equipment to retrofit six garbage trucks with cylinder type cart lifts. Each truck will receive two lifts. The contract costs includes equipment and installation.
Randy Reeder, Street Department Assistant Superintendent, says Best Equipment will have 30 days to install the equipment once the contract is signed. Reeder expects an October date for completion of the retrofit.
Reeder said there is still no signed contract with Republic Services but he hopes new garbage collection services will commence by the end of the year.
Fire Chief Tom Fieffer received board approval to restructure the fire department. Currently the fire department has two division chiefs, one for training and one for inspections. The restructuring will result in four division chiefs, one for inspection and three shift commanders who will be in charge of shifts and training.
Fieffer expects the change to improve efficiency in delivery of services and more immediate response to emergency calls due to personnel being on hand at station houses instead of on-call at home.
Fieffer expects no impact on the fire department budget as a result of the change but the number of firefighters will be reduced from 35 to 33. The change will become effective on Jan. 1.
