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Voluntary recycling coming to Benton |
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Tuesday, 25 November 2008 |
Benton City Council on Monday night approved a local nonprofit agency’s plan to initiate a voluntary recycling program in Benton.
Seven council members voted for the proposal submitted by New Focus, which is being developed by the Rev. Nate Bienhoff, pastor of First Church of the Nazarene, and the agency’s board of directors.
Voting against the proposal were Alderman Greg White, who has pushed for a recycling program coupled with a mandated citywide trash collection, and Alderman Larry Wolf, who supported White’s plan. Alderman Jerry Ponder was absent and counted as a “no” vote.
Last week, the council voted against White’s proposal, but most members indicated at the time that they would be supporting the recycling plan to be brought forth by Bienhoff.
Bienhoff said his program is headed by Gary Beck, executive director. Other board members are Dennis Parker, Barbara Parker, Clarissa Grant, Edye Abercrombie, Oveta Pledger and Bobby McCallister.
The resolution approved by the council states that the city wants to begin a curbside recycling program and that the city will support New Focus project.
Bienhoff previously has spoken with the council about the program and has said he will be incorporating it with the rehabilitation of individuals who are in need of assistance.
White asked Bienhoff on Monday night if he has “a projected business plan.”
Saying the agency’s program is “a work in progress,” Bienhoff added, “We’re working on that. We wanted to make sure the city was behind this.”
Alderman Joe Lee Richards said he supports Bienhoff’s proposal.
“This is not mandatory,” Richards said. “It’s strictly voluntary and very reasonable, and I think it will work.”
Wolf asked Bienhoff why he was seeking the city’s sanction. “You could do this without it,” he said.
Bienhoff agreed, adding, “We knew (recycling) was a hot topic. Rather than create more havoc, I felt it should come before you.”
“Will you pursue this under the guise you represent the city or under the guise you are a nonprofit agency?” White asked Bienhoff.
Bienhoff said representatives of New Focus will make certain that people are aware they are part of a nonprofit agency.
He also said that at this time, residents will not be charged anything to participate in the recycling effort.
Roger Findley, who owns Terry’s Waste Management, raised some questions about Bienhoff’s proposal, but was told by Mayor Rick Holland that the concerns are not applicable.
The proposal White wanted would have created a sanitation utility and the charge would have been added to Benton Utilities’ customers’ charges. Numerous residents objected to that plan, one of the factors that apparently influenced the council’s vote on the issue.
In another matter, the council approved an ordinance specifying an agreement outlining the voluntary annexation of lands owned by Alcoa, Almatis and Saint Gobain.
The city has negotiated with the companies for the voluntary annexation of certain property. As part of this annexation, the city also must approve an ordinance amending a1992 zoning ordinance and allow for mining within the city.
Attending the council meeting in support of the ordinance were Eddie Black, executive director of the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce, and state Sen. Shane Broadway, D-Bryant. Both have worked with the Saline County Industrial Development Corp. to bring about the annexations.
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Razorbacks
