Copperas Cove city council to hear options of discontinuing single stream recycling program, adding fee for recycling pickup

By LYNETTE SOWELL 

Cove Leader-Press 

During the 5 p.m. Copperas Cove city council workshop on Tuesday, May 17, Scott Osburn, the Director of Public Works, will be giving an update on the city’s single stream recycling program and seeking direction on the program from the council. 

According to the presentation, with an annual cost to the city for recycling of $294,150, with a total of 512 tons to be collected at a minimum, that puts the cost of recycling per ton at approximately $575. The annual cost does not include indirect and administrative costs.

Osburn is presenting several options to deal with the costs for the city’s recycling program, one of which is to continue with the program as-is, but improving on its current “hybrid” program; or introducing a monthly fee of $1.50 for residential customers and $3 for commercial customers; or discontinuing the single stream program altogether and offering a self-drop-off option; or look at exploring an option with Fort Hood for recycling. 

Also during the workshop, Osburn will be providing an update on the city’s utility assistance donation program which began in January 2021. As of April 19, the program has only been used by 18 customers who received discounts of $13.83 apiece. The fund has a current balance of $1,626.06. The city is looking for input from the council for direction on the program, as “the demand for the amount of the assistance has been limited by the qualifications required and the amount of assistance available.”

During the 6 p.m. regular city council meeting, there are seven public hearings on the agenda, five of which are related to property development. 

One includes a public hearing for the properties located at 609 and 611 W. Avenue B, approximately 2.217 acres, changing the zoning from R-1 residential to B-3 Local Business District. The applicant intends to build a 10,640-square-foot “retail variety store” on the property. Of the 20 notices sent out to nearby property owners, the city received four letters of approval and one of denial. The lone denial letter comes from a property owner across the street, who says that there is no need for another Dollar General, as there is one not far from there. The Planning & Zoning commission has already approved the change.  

Another rezoning request is for 2.5 acres for Cove View Mobile Home Park, LLC, located off F.M. 2657 in Lampasas County, in the vicinity of Barr Lane. Of the 30 notices sent out to nearby property owners, the city has received five letters of denial, all from property owners on Carroll Drive. One public comment stated they were neither for nor against the request but had questions and wished to learn more about the project.

Another rezoning request is for 14.5 acres for an RV park, located at 3196 Renee Ln., to be rezoned from Agricultural AG-1 to B-RV Recreational Vehicle Parks, which is also located off F.M. 2657 in Lampasas County. 

Other rezoning requests are related to the Village at Walker Place, Phase 2, for a portion to be changed from R-1 Residential, R-2 Two-Family Residential District, and PF Public Facilities, to Public Facilities. This configuration will make space for a larger storm water detention facility for the development. One of the hearings is for changes related to this in the city’s Future Land Use Plan as well.

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, the council will be making appointments to the Board of Adjustment, Building Code Board of Adjustment & Appeals, and to the International Code Review Ad Hoc Committee. 

The workshop and meeting will be held at the Copperas Cove city council chambers, located at 508 S. 2nd St. A time of citizens forum is set for the start of the 6 p.m. meeting.