Fairfield News-Briefs

(9/24) Carroll Valley OKs Trash Contract Extension

Parks Garbage Service will remove trash from Carroll Valley Borough for at least one more year. During their July meeting, the council concurred to extend the current agreement, which expires March 31, 2025.

Borough Manager Dave Hazlett told the council that extending the agreement may not please some residents. Hazlett said Parks often misses homes, leading to angry calls to the borough office.

"I appreciate everything people feel," Hazlett said. "I sympathize with the frustration."

However, Hazlett said borough management does not believe other trash companies would provide better service. He also advised that the cost of Parks Garbage Service should be considered when making a decision. Parks charges $75.75 per quarter for weekly trash pickup, bi-weekly recycling pickup, covered device recycling drop-off, and large item pickup. Parks picks up trash for all residents in Carroll Valley and Fairfield boroughs and Freedom, Highland, Hamiltonban, and Liberty townships.

Some residents have asked the borough to stop mandating they use Parks.

"If you compare our rates with the rates of municipalities where it is a free-for-all, you will find we in Carroll Valley have a pretty significant discount on our rates," he said.

The council agreed to a one-year extension, which gives the borough management time to explore alternatives. Marthers said she expected the neighboring municipalities to do the same.

Wild Dogs

At a resident's suggestion, borough leaders will investigate whether they can more strictly curtail dogs running through the municipality.

Paul Clark of Sunshine Trail said he was attacked by four dogs in July. Clark said he regularly walks near his home and dogs at-large are a constant problem. He has contacted the state’s dog warden, who has responded, but hopes the borough can do more to prevent the problem.

Police Chief Clifford Weikert said police often respond to loose dog calls but the incidents are usually isolated.

"It’s been my experience that we haven’t had too many of the same ones getting loose all the time," Weikert said.

The borough’s current Code of Ordinances states it is illegal for dog owners to allow their pooch to run at large. Violation of the law allows the borough to issue fines up to $1,000. Dogs that are a threat to the public may be killed, the law states. Hazlett and Solicitor Sam Wiser told Clark they will see if Pennsylvania law allows the borough to create stricter rules.