High Springs Scrutinizes Solid Waste Fees, Approves Increase

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Commission on Dec. 14 approved increasing solid waste disposal rates for both residential and commercial users. The vote came after Commissioner Tapanes first proposed to increase the solid rate charge for residential customers only from $23.13 per month to $27.75, an increase of $4.62, which is the amount current waste hauler WastePro is charging the City for residential pickups. The motion did not include an increase for commercial customers and died for lack of a second.

Commissioner Tristan Grunder stated his fear that the City was getting deeper in debt by not charging commercial customers the increased rates as well. He made a motion to increase the rates on all customers, noting that the City is paying significantly more to WastePro for commercial pickups than the City is charging commercial customers.

City Manager Ashley Stathatos reported she contacted WastePro and company representatives were open to discussing the existing contract with commissioners. Tapanes said other commercial waste hauling contracts in nearby cities are being billed by the waste hauler and not the municipality. He would like the City to negotiate that matter with WastePro when they meet.

City Attorney Danielle Adams advised the Commission that there may have to be changes or addendums to the current contract with WastePro should there be a change in the agreement.

Following discussion, the Commission unanimously approved Grunder’s motion to increase residential and commercial customer rates.

The Commission unanimously approved water and sewer charge increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of 5.7 percent. The Commission had previously passed a resolution to automatically increase rates on water, sewer and solid waste funds yearly by the CPI amount to keep up with inflation.

In a related matter, Mayor Katherine Weitz reported that Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe contacted her about their Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) system they are installing in Newberry. Weitz said she would meet with Marlowe and the Newberry city manager to discuss the issue further. She requested that Public Works Director Thomas Henry join her for that meeting.

Henry pointed out that the cost of replacing or repairing grinder pumps is high and that the pumps were at the end of their life. Commissioner Steven Tapanes said he had talked with Henry and they are trying to figure out ways to conduct preventive maintenance on the pumps to extend their life. Residential grinder pumps work like a household garbage disposal grinding up solids produced in the residence and pushing the materials toward the main sewer line.

School Zone Cameras

High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard introduced Ordinance 2023-18 on first reading to request authorization for use of an Automated Speed Detection Systems (SDS) in municipal school zones pursuant to Florida Statutes. He pointed out that the SDS would be authorized to monitor traffic for 30 minutes prior to and after school hours.

The license plates of speeders would be turned over to the High Springs Police Department (HSPD)for review prior to sending out notices for speeding tickets. Also, an appeals process would be created to address drivers’ who protest the tickets.

Monies collected for violations will be returned to the HSPD for use in their public safety program. Sheppard said the program most likely will be operational for the next school year and there would be a public education element to gradually provide notice to drivers that SDS cameras are in use. The Commission unanimously approved this ordinance on first reading.

LifeSpring Church Site Plan

The Commission unanimously approved a request by Joshua Highlander, speaking on behalf of LifeSpring Church, to approve a reduced site plan for the church site. Highlander said the scope of the project has decreased due to budgetary changes, the parking spaces would be reduced and 20-25 trees will not be removed from the site.

Mayor Weitz recusing herself from voting on the matter.

Budget Amendment

Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 2023-17 on second reading, which “trues up” the budget at the end of fiscal year 2022/2023 and is required by Florida State Statute.

The city manager announced that the Revenues and Expenditures for the general fund were $6,771,844. Fire accounted for $2.1 million, Transportation $620,000, Building $390,000, the CRA $299,000, Water $1.6 million, Sewer $1.9 million and Solid Waste $1.5 million.

Final Comments

Wrapping up the meeting, City Manager Ashley Stathatos said the pickleball court was now open and in use. She and all the commissioners commented favorably about the Christmas Parade. Stathatos also said the CRA sponsored this year’s the tree lighting ceremony.

Mayor Weitz reported that she, the city manager and Fire Chief Bradley met in Tallahassee to lobby for funding for a new police station, which they felt went well.

Public Works Director Thomas Henry said that 1,700 AMI meters of the 3,000 have now been installed. He also wants to send out guidelines for grinder pump users and would be setting up a tent at Pioneer Days to answer questions and provide education to citizens about their utility systems. He also reported that framing is being done on the inside of the Douglas Center building.

The next regular City Commission meeting will be held Jan. 11, 2024.

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