Imagine the Possibilities, Genesis Development’s successor, will not provide recycling services
~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline
Genesis Development’s agreement with Imagine the Possibilities to provide service to adults with developmental disabilities may have an impact on all Jefferson residents.
Carrie Wilde, director of services in Genesis Development’s central region, notified cities in the Greene County Recycling Agency last week that Imagine does not plan to assume handling of recyclable materials. Imagine requested that the drop-off bins located at Genesis Development be removed by the end of the month.
The Jefferson city council discussed the situation at its regular meeting Oct. 8. Matt Wetrich, a member of the council’s recycling committee, said he plans to meet with other recycling companies this week. “The (city’s) goal is to continue curbside and other recycling” without disruption, he said.
City administrator Mike Palmer reported that Imagine will also not continue the employment support it provides for members who work as custodians at various local sites, including the municipal building. The city will look for another person or company to provide cleaning services.
Council members Darren Jackson and Matt Gordon reported discussions concerning ways to deal with feral cats are continuing.
Council member Dave Sloan reported on a recent animal shelter fundraiser that raised $740. Sloan reported the group has raised $500,000 to date. The cost of the building is estimated at $400,000, with total cost of the project pegged at $1.2 million.
The idea of donations to the proposed animal shelter through “charitable remainder trusts” of farmland was discussed. These donations would not answer the immediate need for money, but could be used in future years to operate and maintain a shelter. The possibility of borrowing against such donations was discussed.
Sloan reported a $37,000 grant would expire in September 2020 and said eight months remain on another grant. Several grant applications are in process, one with PetCo.
The council generally agreed that a new animal shelter would help the problem of feral cats in the community. The current shelter can house 12 cats while the proposed shelter could house more than 30 cats.
The council approved the second readings of ordinances to increase water and sewer rates by 3 percent. The council also approved a Class B native wine permit for The Printer’s Box and a Class C beer permit was granted to Sparky’s One Stop.
