An update on the Pine Ridge Circle recycling drop point and a light agenda highlighted the list of items discussed during the Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency (EHDA) Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
Executive Director Kelly Geagley fielded a couple of questions during the meeting in regards to the recycling center — adjacent from the department’s main office. The center officially opened on Friday, Oct. 14, and is expected to make a key impact in the area.
“What we’re doing now is trying to get some advertising,” Geagley said. “We’re going to put some flyers out, we’re going to advertise on our sign, put signs in the community room and out front and maybe get something out to all the residents about recycling and educating them about it.”
Members of the Elizabethton City Council voted unanimously in favor of an agreement between the city and EHDA on Thursday, Oct. 13, after a brief presentation made by Street and Sanitation Manager Danny Hilbert.
The Pine Ridge Circle is one of three locations that is currently operated within the city. The other two locations include Lynn Avenue and Mill Street. Pine Ridge Circle’s center is equipped with two compartmentalized recycle containers and two recycle containers for cardboard.
Items accepted at each center include aluminum, cardboard, paper products and plastics. Non-acceptable materials include food contaminated products, glassware or plate glass, plastic wrap, shredded paper, Styrofoam, tin cans, televisions, furniture or tires.
Geagley added the EHDA is looking at ways to grow the usage of the Pine Ridge Circle center.
“We’re also looking at grants, even if we have to purchase some things, maybe where we get people to have stuff at their apartments,” Geagley said. “Little things where they can transport the recyclables down to the center.”
While geared for residents within the EHDA umbrella, the center is available for anyone within the community.
“This will be primary for our residents but it is also available for our surrounding community,” Geagley said. “If they want to use it, that would be great.”
In other business, the EHDA:
• Voted unanimously on a contract between the department and Rector, Reeder, & Lofton, PC for audit services.
• Voted unanimously on a contract between the department and Banks, Banks and Banks Attorneys at Law for legal services in connection with low-income housing.
• Voted unanimously on a contract between the department and Chappell’s Pest Control for low-income housing program.
• Voted to correct a prior period write-off of equipment.