January 2, 2007
LITTER ABATEMENT & RECYCLING
Changes Go Into Effect January 1st
In December, the Midland City Council approved efforts to enhance litter abatement and recycling. For utility customers, there are changes that go into effect January 1, 2007.
Reducing the current voluntary litter abatement fee from $1.00 to 50-cents per month.
Earlier this year, the City added a two-person “hot shot” crew to assist in litter pickup and related work, as well as increased the budgeted amount for lot cleaning, however revenues exceed expenses. Permitted uses of this fund will now include: litter abatement, conservation and beautification along public owned right of ways, and recycling education.
Adding a 50-cent recycling fee per month per customer.
The first priority of the Solid Waste Division is to ensure that customers receive twice weekly emptying of their alley trash containers. Over the past few years, the number of containers for basic service has increased taking away from the additional service of emptying recycling containers. In the past, the recycle containers were emptied twice a week. They are currently being emptied twice a month. Citizens are increasingly using the recycling containers and Solid Waste wants to provide top-notch service with the purchase of a side-load truck, roll-off truck, and two recycle drivers. This will be funded with the 50-cent fee that will provide an estimated $200,000 in additional revenue annually.
Utility bill inserts containing information about the changes will be included in the current cycle of billing. In addition, the City has published the information in advertisements in the Midland Reporter-Telegram.
C.O.P.S. TRAINING CLASS
The Midland Police Department will conduct a new Citizens On Patrol training class on Tuesday, January 9 and Thursday, January 11, 2007. The classes for both nights will be from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. The classes will be held at the police department, 601 N. Loraine.
The C.O.P.S. program allows citizens to patrol neighborhoods as extra eyes and ears for the police department. Officers cannot always be everywhere at once. The volunteers of this program assist as a deterrent to crime and help catch criminals.
Upon completion of the classroom training, the candidates must ride for eight hours with Patrol Officers. There is no cost, however, you must complete and submit an application for the program to attend. Applications are available at the front desk of the police department, downloadable from the MPD website, or through the Community Relations Unit.
For more information contact 685-7582.
CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY SEEKS APPLICANTS
The Midland Police Department is now accepting applications for people interested in participating in the 32nd class of the Citizens Police Academy.
The CPA class begins on Tuesday, January 16, 2007, and continues every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. for 6 weeks.
It is an opportunity for citizens to gain a working knowledge of the every day operation of the Midland Police Department. Citizens are provided with information to help them better understand the day-to-day business which includes class lectures, firearms instruction, a chance to Aride-along@ with police officers, canine demonstrations, SWAT, and the opportunity to investigate a mock crime scene. All training is provided at no cost.
Officers hope that graduates take their new knowledge into the community and educate others when opportunity arises and make decisions that affect the City and PD with heightened awareness and better information.
Applications can be picked up at the Midland Police Department, 601 N. Loraine. For more information contact the Community Services Division at 685-7582.
M.P.D. RETIREMENT
A long-time MPD officer/detective is retiring from service. On Wednesday, January 3, 2007, at 3:00 p.m., a party will be held to honor Mel Francis.
Francis has worked for the MPD for 25 years. Most recently, he served in the white collar crimes unit working as a detective.
The media is invited to help make this a special day for the officer.
SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
The City of Midland will hold a swearing-in ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 8, 2007, in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Taking the oath of office:
- LuAnn Morgan
- Vicky Hailey
- William F. Dingus
- W. Wesley Perry
LuAnn Morgan begins her third term as the District 1 City Council Member. Morgan is currently working with Merrill Lynch.
Vicky Hailey is beginning her second term as the District 2 City Council Member. She currently serves as Mayor Pro-Tem. Hailey is retired from SBC Southwestern Bell.
William F. Dingus was first elected in 2000 and is beginning his third term. He is President of Dingus Investment, Inc.
W. Wesley Perry has served on the Council since 2002. He is the owner of SES Investments, Ltd. an oil and gas investments company; President of EGL Resources, Inc. an oil and gas operating company; Director of United Trust Group, a public insurance company; Director of Western National Bank; and President of a real estate investment company.
The four are all incumbents who were unopposed in the recent election.
“MAHALIA”
The City of Midland Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center will host the gospel musical Mahalia. Unequaled Productions is producing the event featuring Sue Roseberry.
Performance dates are:
- January 5 7:30 p.m.
- January 6 2:00 p.m.
- January 11 7:30 p.m.
- January 12 7:30 p.m.
- January 13 7:30 p.m.
All dates will be staged at the M.L.K. Community Center, 2300 Butternut Lane. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for children and groups of 10 or more.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will go toward additions to the M.L.K. Community Center.
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