By RICK KRON
Leader staff writer
The cost of picking up garbage will go up by $5 a month in Sherwood starting in March or April if a new ordinance is approved at the city council’s Dec. 21 meeting.
The ordinance, introduced by the budget committee, was read just once at Monday night’s meeting. The budget committee is asking for the increase because it determined that the actual cost incurred for weekly residential garbage collection is about $5 per household more than the amount currently being collected.
Mayor Virginia Young said the increase was needed to maintain the weekly service.
The proposed increase does not include the almost $3 a month charge for bi-weekly recycling collection.
There was no opposition voiced at the council over the proposed rate increase.
Also at the meeting, the Sherwood Police Department presented state Sen. Jane English (R-North Little Rock) with a plaque of appreciation. The citation read, “In appreciation for your successful and relentless efforts in obtaining grant funds to purchase body-worn cameras for the Sherwood Police Department.”
According to Police Chief Jim Bedwell, there is a growing concern to improve police and public relationships “and implementation of body-worn cameras will help in bridging the gap.”
English was at the meeting to accept the award.
The police had a similar award for state Rep. Karilyn Brown (R-Sherwood), but she was unable to make Monday night’s council meeting.
In other council business:
• The mayor reminded aldermen and others at the meeting that the Sherwood Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights would open at 6 p.m. Monday at Sherwood Forest, 1111 W. Maryland Ave., and run through Dec. 30.
• Mayor Young also said the city’s annual Christmas parade was set for 2 p.m. next Saturday. The parade will start on Lantrip Road and travel down Kiehl Avenue. In case of rain, the parade will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.
• Breakfast with Santa is set for 8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 11 at Sherwood Forest. The cost is $3 for those age 7 and older, while children 6 and under are free. Also, the Youth Center Christmas Party will start at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Duran Youth Center, 508 Sherwood Ave.
• The council reappointed Nita Pilkington and Mita Sitaram to the Sherwood Advertising and Promotion Commission. Their terms will expire in November 2019.
• Michelle K. Oglesby was appointed to the Civil Service Commission, and her term will expire in December 2016.
