Chillicothe Council voted to start the curbside recycling program Monday evening - but don't expect to see the new bins too soon.
Beth Neal has helped lead the legislation, and she says she was thrilled at the support from most of the full audience.
The program will be supported by a new $1.95 monthly fee. But in response to critics who want that to be dropped in lieu of using the current additional fee for trash collection, Neal says that's not feasible.
She says there's only about $350,000 left after expenses, which is not enough to sustain recycling.
Neal said the other criticism, of needing a yearly review, is unnecessary since the city monitors other programs like it frequently.
She said it will take about six months for new trucks to be received, so the program should be starting in the spring.
Several speakers from the standing-room-only audience spoke in favor - but either as-is, or with the two changes.
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The proposed nondiscrimination ordinance was aired again in council, with little progress happening.
After two large public hearings more than a year ago, little was heard about the legislation intended to protect alternative lifestyles in the city...until recently.
A committee meeting on it was scheduled this week by its chair, Alicia Gray...but, then was canceled.
Reverend Terry Williams followed two speakers, a gay high school student and his lesbian mother. Williams complained that after 481 days, there is still not a city law to protect them.
Gray said she had to cancel because of two major flaws with how the legislation has been handled - the creation of the comittee and its assignment - both of which, Williams had pointed out to her.
Gray said any new action is up to council president.
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Other speakers from the packed audience reminded council of the need to oppose the waste dump proposed at the Piketon Atomic plant.
Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils and local culture