Governmental Affairs
Cathy S. Barnette
District 2, Councilperson
City of Daphne
PO Box 400
Daphne, AL 36526
Happy March! I wanted to take this note to provide you with some updates.
Garbage:
Attached you will find an information sheet on the once / week Daphne garbage program. The new automated garbage trucks will begin running the week of April 5th. For most of Olde Towne that means your garbage collection will be on Friday. For those who currently rent carts, the rental fee will be removed from your bill effective April 2010. For those who do not rent the garbage carts, they are being delivered with the user brochure. The 96 gallon carts are being delivered. If this cart is too much for you, you may contact the Department of Public Works, 621-3182 and request a 64 gallon cart to be delivered. Please review the attached brochure to read the Do’s and Don’ts about how to use your new can.
Recycling:
Contrary to current rumors, the fate of the recycling program has NOT yet been determined. The council will discuss the program at our March 8th work session. I personally believe we have a civic responsibility to continue this service and believe we can structure it so it is a cost neutral program to the City.
Baldwin County Council on Aging
The Council on Aging is asking for donations during the month of March to include non-perishable foods, personal hygiene products and gift cards or monetary donations. Daphne Drop off locations include Daphne City Hall, Daphne Public Library and the Daphne Recreation Center. Please make sure the items are not expired.
SEEDS:
Classic Rock and Roll Run will be this Saturday. Check out www.seedsindaphne.org. All activities will be in front of City Hall. I have also attached information regarding the temporary one cent sales tax increase for our schools. Please review the information and give it your thoughtful consideration. The City Council does not have any authority over the Baldwin County School Board but our community is defined by the quality of our schools. Because of this, the Daphne City Council passed a resolution in support of the temporary measure. We also requested our legislative delegation look to address the 10 mill match equity funding problem. If you are interested in materials, Bryant Bank is serving as a “temporary office/distribution center” for pledge cards and volunteer forms.
May Day Park
Just a reminder May Day Park is closed for the next 2 months (estimated) while we improve the boat launch and parking lot. I know it’s an inconvenience but the boat launch will be functional upon completion.
Daphne Utilities Board
The Daphne Utilities Board is hosting a public forum this Wednesday, March 3rd, 5:00 p.m. in the Daphne City Council Chambers. There is a proposed rate increase and they will be explaining why and hearing your thoughts. They will also launch on their website, www.daphneutilities.com a feature which will allow you to see your usage and the proposed impact of the rate to you.
Please share this news with your neighbors and friends. If you would like to suggest neighbors be added to the list, please send me their emails. As always, please call me with your questions, comments or concerns. Also, for those who Facebook, I have a Daphne District 2 page where I try to post questions asked or useful information.
District 2 Issues:
■Sidewalks: Request for sidewalks on Captain O'Neal Drive and Dryer Avenue will be discussed at the Friday, August 28th Public works meeting. Susan Ham has been working with the City on the safety issues for walkers and Bayside students and she has asked OTDA to gather public comments. She will bring comments and e-mails to the meeting. Please see her note, photo of the area and e-mail contact: details.
■ Fire Protection: Take the time to read a letter to Council District 2 constituents regarding fire protection and budget issues that will impact our entire community. Governmental Affairs and also an update in our May 2008 newsletter (see page 2). Chief White will be completing a grant application early July and a new station may be located near Johnson Road!