Anna recycling program could begin in 2012

The City of Anna is moving ahead with plans to establish a groundbreaking recycling program in the Union County community.

The program was on the agenda at a regular meeting of the Anna City Council. The meeting was Tuesday night at Anna City Hall.

City officials have been talking about the recycling program for several months.

CWI Republic Services currently provides trash pick-up services for the city. Anna officials are talking with the firm about implementing a recycling program.

City administrator Steve Guined said that the program, should it be approved, would begin on Aug. 1, 2012.

Participation in the recycling program would be voluntary for customers. About 2,100 customers are served.

Customers would be provided with recycling bins. Items which can be recycled, such as paper and plastic, would be placed in the bins for pick up.

Use of the recycling bins would be unique – no other community in Southern Illinois currently uses such containers.

Glass would not be one of the items which could be placed in the bins. The city and the service provider are talking about establishing a central point in Anna where glass products could be brought for recycling.

Customers currently pay $15 month for trash pick-up service. During the first year of the program, the rate would go up by about 67 cents a month.

If the program becomes a reality, city officials plan to work with CWI Republic Services to begin a public information campaign which would include educational programs at Anna schools.

In other business at Tuesday's meeting:

Head Start Project

City officials heard a presentation from representatives of the Southern Seven Health Department Head Start program who are working to obtain major grant funding for construction of a new facility.

The facility would house the Head Start program. Child care programs also could be established.

Head Start asked the city to consider cooperating with the agency in a process which could be a boost for the city and all of Union County.

Land is being sought for the site of the new facility. The city was asked to consider providing assistance in the search for a site. The city will be reviewing the proposal.

New Website

Also at Tuesday's meeting, the city's new Internet website was unveiled.

The website can be found at <a href="http://www.cityofanna.org">www.cityofanna.org</a>. Karen Clark designed the site.

The website features a wide range of information, including announcements and a calendar of events.

Those who visit the website also will be able to find and download a wide range of municipal forms and ordinances.