​​Weston • Platte County • Missouri

The Weston Chronicle

A potential rise in dumping rates at St. Joseph Landfill could mean a rise in city trash rates. Aldermen discussed the possibility at their meeting Monday night. Jacob Peterson, Redgate Disposal LLC General Manager, notified the City November 15 that the rates they pay for dumping at the landfill could rise from $32 to $125 per ton.
The increase will affect rural customers as well.
“If the proposal passes, the increase is to take effect on January 1st,” he said in a letter. “We are actively exploring other options, but all alternatives pose a considerable increase in operating costs.
“I am doing what we can on our end to minimize potential increase to the service cost,” he wrote. “The best option for everyone involved would be to minimize the tonnage rate increase to a more reason rate.”
Public Works Director Eric Mosier said other area landfills had already raised their rates to the $125 level, causing haulers to use the lower cost St. Joseph Landfill. “They’re filling it up faster than the Landfill can handle it,” he said.
The increase could be significant.
“In the City of Weston with the residents and dumpsters that we service in the city we are on average picking up 112.70 tons per month,” said Jacob Peterson, Redgate Disposal LLC General Manager.
That could increase just the tipping rates from $3,606.40 per month to $14,087.50.
On top of that are the 48.77 tons of bulky items - which could rise from $1,560.64 to $6,096.25.
In other business, the Aldermen told Cliff Weiser they are receptive to a plan he is developing to put  electric vehicle chargers in the Thomas St. parking lot just south of the law office there. The space is an odd shape so the center of it goes unused. 
Alderman Greg Hoffman said the space has also been eyed as a potential space for food trucks and suggested the plan include outlets for those vehicles.
Beers to You and Pizza 360 neon signs will enjoy a four-month moratorium on complying with Weston’s Historic District sign ordinance. The ordinance prohibits signs that are lit from the interior. The signs were recently ordered down, along with other non-conforming uses.
The issue was referred back to Weston Historic Preservation Commission to see if there is the possibility of a compromise that wouldn’t result in the suspension of the city’s Certified Government status.
The Aldermen agreed to switch phone and internet service to United Fiber.
The Aldermen will consider a proposal that would put five license plate readers at key intersections around town. The installation would be part of a nationwide system, so vehicles could be followed as they moved throughout the country.
Chief Kelly Clark said it would give police an extra set of eyes.
A Budget meeting will be held at City Hall Friday, December 22 at 5:30.

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​  News

On Friday, November 22, the Annual City Christmas Tree Lighting will be held in its new location - the Downtown City Park (Holladay Park). The evergreen tree next to the gazebo has been designated as the City Tree, but the lights don’t stop there.
The Gazebo and various trees in the park will be lit up. Other trees planned include a Bluejay tree and Wishes tree. Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign will light the pathway through the park. 
In addition, panels of fencing around the tennis courts are decorated. 
The festivities will begin at 5:15 as the Children’s Chorale gathers at the top of Thomas Street and Caroles their way to the gazebo. 
Keira Jones will welcome the crowd and Susan Finn of the Park Board will handle the program. 
Two students have been selected to throw the actual switch (or push a button). 
The first Baptist Church will  serve cookies and cocoa,  and families will be encouraged to find their child’s ornaments on the elementary (Blue Jay) tree or Middle School (wishing) tree. 
St. Nick will be on hand at the gazebo to hand out candy canes… 
The lights will stay on until January 8.

Thanksgiving Dinner
Sunday at 6:00 is the annual Ministerial Alliance Thanksgiving Dinner an Service, this year at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. All are welcome to come with or without a fruit or vegetable dish.

Wassail Away!
The next weekend, November 29 and 30, is the Wassail Fest in the Historic Weston Orchard and Vineyard.

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 Trash Rates Could Rise with Dump Fee Increase

 Christmas Tree Lighting is Friday