Now that we will soon begin single stream recycling (which is a wonderful idea) what will be the fate of our old recycle bins? Are they considered recyclable? It would certainly be ironic if they weren’t! Response from the Westfield Health Dept: It is acceptable for residents to keep their old recycling bins for whatever purpose they wish. Or, we have a new dumpster at the Twiss St. Transfer Station for “bulky rigid plastics” such as these if residents wish to drop them off. Yes, they will all be sent out for recycling. Unfortunately we do not currently have the ability to collect the old bins at curbside.
In reading the article on Friday the 12th, about the new Single Stream Trash Recycling program, the article mentions that there are no trucks equipped with the lift arms for collecting the recycling barrels. Did they even do an assessment of what is needed to start this program and check the current truck fleet we have in Westfield as a part of the process before determining a start date? This is only one example of why our taxes keep going up every year. We as taxpayers don’t have money to pay for programs like this with uncertain costs. If all the costs were included in the early planning for the proposal, then this program would probably never even be accepted due to the costs and return benefit. Mayor Knapik said: Our new generation of trucks have a new arm that reaches out to capture the barrels. Our first generation trucks (we have a few left) will continue to operate with the original lift arm.
There is a white sign board on the lawn on South Middle School. I think the purpose of the sign is to keep the community aware of what is going on in the school, School year 2013-2014 and now the fall of 2014-very little is on the board pertaining to the school. Quotes and sayings are put up. Who reads them? I have young friends who attend the school and try to attend events. We all know people of this age sometimes forget to bring notices home or let us know what is occurring. My friends also made maximum honors last year but I do not recall seeing the honor rolls for South Middle in the Westfield News. Perhaps the principal can look into this matter and see that school happenings are posted. Forget the sayings. Response from the administration of South Middle School: The purpose of the quotes on the front sign was to uplift the community with positive messages. We receive quite a bit of positive feedback from people who like our quotes. With that said, we always try to reach out to the community and listen for feedback. We will take this input and make announcements on the front sign that will be both informative and uplifting.
