Cape Council to tackle solid waste collection challenges
In the wake of last week’s Cape Coral City Council meeting where numerous residents complained about what they say is the continuing problem with bulk waste sitting alongside the road for weeks at a time, the elected board will take a closer look at the issue Monday.
Council is expected to hear recommendations on the issue.
Currently, there is no set day for pickup, no enforcement for putting bulk out at any time, no clear definition of “compliant” bulk, no list of rental properties in the city, limited code enforcement manpower, a 10-day compliance deadline and no removal timeline, and partially compliant bulk is not picked up at all.
The proposed solutions include a set pick up day; code enforcement of bulk items put out early; a clear definition of “bulk trash” and public education; and the creation of a mandatory rental registration program via city ordinance.
The city’s solid waster collection provider, Waste Pro, would remove compliant portions of the bulk pile and notify Code of any remaining non-compliant pile. That would trigger a 48-hour compliance timeline, with removal the following day by Waste Pro. If compliant, there would be no fee. If non-compliant, Waste Pro would invoice the homeowner.
With the newly budgeted manpower for this fiscal year, the city would establish main corridor zones for additional focused deployment.
In other business, Utilities Director Jeff Pearson will give a presentation on the water, wastewater and irrigation impact fee study.
The city’s combined impact fees for a single-family home in the UEP areas, including Sewer District 2 have not increased since April 1, 2007. Utility rates have not increased since October 2012.
The impact fee ordinance was last updated was in 2016 and the city must update it periodically, according to Florida Statutes.
Sewer District 1 customers would see a combined impact fee decrease for all three utility services of up to $401 to $5,776 per single-family home.
The total combined impact fee in Sewer District 2, which is $6,750 per single-family residence for water, sewer and irrigation services will remain the same. This represents an average discount of 3 to 4 percent when compared to the maximum allowable charge for 100 percent cost recovery.
A single-family water and sewer customer in Sewer District 2 without irrigation service would see a $171 increase.
Also, Community Development Director Vince Cautero will speak with council about issues and questions that have arisen during the implementation of the new land development code and community values issues deferred during the process.
In a slideshow, Cautero will discuss zoning map and Comprehensive Plan Future Lane Use Map inconsistencies, community input, Economic Development Office recommendations, community values issues and the future Land Use and zoning for the Four Corners.
Monday’s workshop, or Committee of the Whole meeting, will begin at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Cape Coral City Hall is at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.