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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12December marks the end of another year. Many of us are reflecting back on the year, as well as thinking about New Year's resolutions. Hopefully, our resolutions will not fall by the wayside. As I consider 2016, 1 am confident that the things we've accomplished will benefit Pocatello well into the future. As I look to the New Year, I'm very excited about our future. There are a number of things on the horizon that will be very positive for our community for decades to come. December also brings the holiday season. This time of MUM Safety The holidays should be a magical time of year for everyone. However according to the National Fire Protection Association, each year between 2009-2013 U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 210 home fires that started with Christmas trees and another 860 home structure fires that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. To reduce the chance of a fire, follow these important safety tips. Make sure live trees are fresh. Cut an inch or so off the trunk to expose fresh wood, which helps with water absorption and keeps the tree from drying out. year is a joyous time for many of us, but there are others who are struggling. Please watch out for your neighbors. Please reach out a hand in kindness to those in need. You can help in many ways. Consider making a donation to one of the charities in our area. While you are clearing snow from your driveway and sidewalks, clear your neighbor's as well. Take a minute to check on someone who is alone. Finally, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa • Look for the label "fire resistant" when purchasing an artificial tree. • Use only non-combustible or flame -resistant materials to trim a tree. • Be careful with metal trees Electrical lights are prohibited on metal artificial trees, but more importantly, they are dangerous. • Fasten outdoor lights with plastic ties or hooks, not metal staples or nails. Make sure the lights are certified for outdoor use. • Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets Never leave candles unattended, and do not and Happy Holidays! There are so many holidays in December, and Pocatello is so diverse that we would be remiss if we didn't recognize and celebrate them all. It is my hope that in the coming year our community will continue to rally together and show kindness, love and understanding to each other. Thank you for everything that you have done to make Pocatello such a great city. I look forward to working with you in the future. As always, I am proud to be your Mayor! place them near the tree, curtains or other combustible materials. • Keep a 3 -foot safe zone around fireplaces and space heaters. • Make sure your smoke detectors are working, and DO NOT take the batteries out of the smoke detectors to use in games or other electronic devices. We want you and your family to enjoy the holidays for years to come. For more information about fire prevention or smoke detectors, contact the Pocatello Fire Department at 234.6201. Holiday Garbage Collection The Sanitation Department will again be collecting extra garbage that accumulates from your holiday celebrations. The special service will begin Monday, December 26 with the final pickup Friday, December 30. We ask that you place your extra bags and boxes of garbage in the same location as your green autocart. Crews will collect your extra items on your scheduled garbage collection day. Please note that all the extra garbage items will be going to the Bannock County landfill. We will not be recycling these items. Please DO NOT set out Christmas trees with your extra garbage. The crews will not pick up trees. Instead, drop boxes will be located at various sites for tree disposal. Those locations are Pocatello City Hall -911 North 7th Avenue; Rainey Park -900 South Arthur Avenue; and by Storage Containers The City's Planning Division employees have been fielding questions about the use of storage containers. Since this is of interest, I thought I'd share some information. According to Municipal Code 17.06.200(A)(1)(d), "Container units, railroad cars, semitrailers, or the like shall not be used as or considered accessory structures" in the entrance to Sister City Park—off Pocatello Creek Road. The drop boxes will be available beginning Monday, December 26 and will be removed Tuesday, January 10. For more information about the special garbage collection or the Christmas tree drop boxes, contact the Sanitation Department at 234.6193. residential zoning districts This code is specifically referring to their use as permanent structures. However, storage containers can be used as temporary storage containers during times such as remodeling. The only restriction is that they cannot be placed on the City street, unless it is a roll -off box that has been provided by the NOT USING THE TOILET FOR TRASH 50 I DON'T WASTE WATER? 505E ARE All BOW, BUT NOI City's Sanitation Department. Storage containers may be used on a temporary basis in commercial, light industrial and industrial zoning districts. Again, they cannot be permanent structures. Please contact the Planning & Development Services Department at 234.6184 if you have questions. If there is a topic you'd like me to address in future newsletters or if you want to comment or ask a question, write it down, tear off this part and send your comment to me. If you wish to call or e-mail, my number and address are listed on the front page. While I cannot respond to all comments individually, I do pass them on to the appropriate departments. 09,M2 My question/comment is Name Address Telephone