(a) There shall be a minimum fee as set by City Council for vacant properties that are connected to the sewer system, and for properties that have elected to opt out of the City collection contract. The minimum fee shall be charged on a per unit basis up to a maximum of fifty (50) units. Disconnection to the sewer system shall be made in compliance with the Plumbing Requirements of the Codified Ordinances of the City. A property shall be considered vacant when the water usage for the unit is 400 gallons or less for that month. Any due credit as verified by the City shall be issued to the owners account or a refund may be made if the amount exceeds fifty dollars ($50.00).
(b) Refunds or credits shall not be made for any period more than two years prior to the date of the request. The minimum charges and vacancy credits shall become effective July 1, 1992.
(c) Any residential apartment complex, with 50 or more housing units, or commercial establishment that opts out shall be responsible for payment of the minimum fee X the number of units per month up to a maximum charge of fifty (50) units. Additionally, these properties are required to separate yard waste from the regular trash in accordance with this article and to separate all designated recyclables from the regular trash in accordance with this article and Act 101.
(d) Property owners who opt out and secure a private contractor are responsible to provide proper collection and disposal for all normal wastes which are generated by their tenants (trash, recyclables, yard waste and normal household furniture and appliances) in accordance with City ordinances, Article 951 and Article 952. Said properties will be required to have tote cart and/or dumpster service with a minimum of once per week collection of trash and designated recyclables and must furnish to the City adequate proof of a current licensed private contract and to report the tonnages for trash, recycling and yard waste on an annual basis. All opt out properties are subject to inspection by the City to ensure that proper collection and disposal arrangements are in place. Opt out properties shall be required to pay the minimum fee per housing or commercial unit, up to a maximum of 50 units, and are not eligible to receive any curbside collections which are provided under the City’s refuse contracts.
(e) Residential properties with less than 50 housing units are not eligible to opt out and must use the City’s contracted collection services.
(f) The City reserves the right to deny “opt out” or “exempt” status to any property if deemed in the best interest of the City at the City’s sole discretion.
(Ord. 6-2020. Passed 3-17-20.)