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r ; (w) 121 September 14, 2011 City Council Members 600 Town Center Pkwy. Lino Lakes, MN 55014 Dear Council Members, My name is Sarah Hovseth and I live on Pheasant Run. I'm writing to you in hope that you will consider the possibility of having a city wide organized trash collection program. This is something that several neighboring cities have started utilizing or have begun investigating the option, including White Bear, Vadnais Heights, Roseville, and others. I believe that the city of Lino Lakes and its residents could benefit greatly from an organized collection system for multiple reasons. An organized trash - hauling program would result in much less wear and tear on the roads. The average garbage truck weighs approximately 33,000 pounds, or 16.5 tons, and usually picks up garbage once a week and recycling every other week. This means that one garbage truck will make its route on my street about six times per month, but between the thirteen houses on my street there are at least four different collection companies being used. During the course of one month roughly twenty -four garbage drive down Pheasant Run and likely have routes throughout the rest of the city. All of this adds up and contributes to damage on the roads which requires repairs, time, and money. The use of an organized collection system would greatly benefit the citizens of Lino Lakes because it's likely they would be paying lower rates for trash pickup. The typical fee for curbside collection is $11 -$15 per month, but the White Bear Lake city manager Mark Sather, says that residents using the organized trash - hauling program are billed $9.70 per month for thirty gallon barrels. A common issue with trying to employ a trash pickup program is that hauling companies coordinate campaigns against such programs and residents decide that they want to exercise their right to make their own decisions. The solution to this is to offer people the option to opt out of the program if they are very against the organized collection system. The additional benefits of an organized collection system are that it would also cut back on pollution, noise disruption, and a cleaner city. I appreciate your time and consideration. Sincerely, Sarah Hovseth 6609 Pheasant Run Lino Lakes, MN 55014