City News Letter

Sewer Moratorium:

In October, the City Council contracted with a Boise engineering firm, JUB Engineers, to complete a simple engineering analysis of the sewer treatment plant capacity.  Earlier in the year, due to concerns about the increasing sewer flow, the City had passed a moratorium on new sewer hookups until a study could be completed to determine the remaining plant capacity.  The study completed by JUB indicated that, after considering the present flow combined with approved hookups which are not yet on-line, there may be sufficient capacity for approximately 84 additional residential hookups.  As a result of this information, the sewer moratorium was rescinded and sewer hookup applications will be again be accepted.  Approval of applications will be based on a case-by-case basis, with the Council keeping a close watch on the increasing capacity.

 

Garbage Issues:

Our local garbage company, Walco, and Idaho County are currently in mediation over county garbage contract issues.  As a result of those mediations, Walco has started replacing dumpsters which were previously removed.  In the Grangeville area, the dumpsters located in the rural county are being posted with signs prohibiting use by city residents.  According to Walco officials, the dumpsters located in the Riggins area will not be posted with that prohibition.  Walco is working with private land owners and Idaho County to place a transfer station in this area in the future, but until that can be accomplished, the county dumpsters can be used by city residents also, for those items that cannot be contained in the green carts.  There is one exception…..debris from building construction is not allowed.  Building contractors are required to contract directly with Walco for an on-site dumpster for disposal of building debris. 

 

Please be aware also, that state law prohibits the unauthorized dumping of material in containers located on private properties or in dumpsters that are not for private use.

There are several dumpsters in Riggins on private property and one in the park, that are

NOT for public use.  Please respect those property owners, and take your garbage to the dumpsters located in the county area.  The park dumpster is provided only for users of the park and has been placed there to help keep our park and river clean.  It was not placed there for, nor is intended for private dumping.  Signs prohibiting private dumping are posted at the area, and those continuing to violate this restriction will be subject to prosecution.  Continued abuse and overuse of the dumpster will require its removal.  Please help us retain it there to help keep our riverbank and park clean, and use the dumpsters located in the county area for private dumping!

Fire Department News:

Riggins Fire Department Volunteer Donnie Clay was recently honored as the 2005 Firefighter of the Year.  Our congratulations and appreciation are extended to Donnie for his dedication and service to our community.  A Certificate of Appreciation, along with the traveling trophy, a silvered fireman’s boot engraved with his name for the 2005 award and gift certificates, were presented to him in December by Emergency Services Supervisor Ann Wilson.   Firemen Randy Spickelmire, Jeff Joyce and Todd Hofflander were also recognized with appreciation certificates for their service to the community.  Thank you, Donnie and all the volunteer firemen, for your dedication and commitment to keeping our homes and citizens safe!

 

In January, Dan Catherman was appointed as the Riggins Fire Chief.  Dan has held that position previously and was happy to resume those duties again on January 9th.  He has been busy re-acquainting himself with Department and after touring the Emergency Services Building, reported that the fire equipment, acquired by Ann Wilson through various grant sources, is of the highest quality rivaling that of many departments.  Dan offered “KUDOs” and his appreciation to Ann for her work with the Fire Department and acquisition of the new equipment.