Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Apr 18/01) - City Hall administration has rejected the move to hire a full-time garbage picker for the downtown core at Tuesday's public services committee.
Administration opted not to spend $11,000 from a dwindling contingency fund in favour of giving current city workers overtime when the downtown core needs a good scrubbing.
Administration suggested council decide on a full-time garbage picker during 2002 budget deliberations.
The public services committee agreed with adminstration and the matter will now go for debate before council next Monday.
The city hires a casual worker from May to August to pick garbage in the downtown core every year.
Coun. Robert Hawkins is in favour of fining store owners who leave litter on their doorstep.
Coun. Alan Woytuik said the people who litter should be fined.
This should be a debate to watch next Monday. The two councillors argued their points well after the end of the meeting -- amicably.
Litter lovers
A lot of people in the city have a penchant for garbage picking it seems.
According to a city report 42 groups in the city have applied to take part in this year's spring clean up.
Council set aside $30,000 for this project and each group will get a $715 chunk of the pie.
Last year 40 groups applied and the year before 36 groups applied.
Administration recommended all groups should be accepted for the cleanup. The public services committee agreed and the matter will go to debate before council next Monday.
All youth orientated, recreational or cultural groups that directly contribute to community life were eligible.
