Landlords still discussing WO garbage ordinance

Trash was the predominate topic of discussion at the regular meeting of the West Orange City Council meeting held on the evening of June 22 at city hall.

Resident Brenda Bourgeois was placed on the agenda to discuss her concerns about an ordinance recently passed regarding landlords in the city being responsible for the trash pickup for their renters. Bourgeois, however, was absent from the meeting.

Landlord Robert Sepulvado spoke during public comment about the ordinance.

He said he was disenchanted with them and it's about people wanting somebody to pay for somebody else.

He told of a former councilwoman who wanted Sepulvado to wire elderly people homes because he's an electrician. He told the councilwoman she had enough money to write a check so someone can pay for someone else.

Sepulvado said he has worked at nuclear plants across the nation and he has a possible solution to the garbage ordinance using technology.

People would pay and a computer would tell the garbage truck by either a red light signifying the trash was not picked up or a green light indicating it was picked up.

Sepulvado concluded his remarks with a quote from the Scriptures comparing the city council to Pharisees.

Mayor Roy McDonald said residents could speak with either Dean Fuller, code enforcement officers, or City Manager Mike Stelly if they have an issue with the ordinance. He added several landlords in the city have already established accounts for the trash ordinance.

City ordinances can be reviewed to see how they're working. The city council will then take under advisement.

McDonald said the process is to speak with department heads first. From there, a committee will address the issue, then the entire city council will review the ordinance.