By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – The Parish Council’s Solid Waste Committee met Tuesday night about possible assistance with garbage collection in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Councilman Steve Lee said garbage collection problems have been tracked for the past four years, and the council should be the first to know about all garbage matters, because a plan and program is in place for these problems.

Councilman Ronnie Smith was elected Chairman for the committee and Councilwoman Jaclyn Hotard was elected Vice-Chairman.

“It’s a service we pay for,” said Hotard. “So, I want to make sure it is being done and these problems are solved.”

Hotard said she realizes it will never be perfect, but they are looking to assist any way possible.

The biggest complaints are missed pickups, especially the ones with a handicap sticker, and broken cans, according to Hotard.

Lee said he wants to make sure all the calls come to the council first and to feel free to call him at anytime.

“Most of the calls go directly to the council office anyway,” said Hotard. “When people call the council office, a log is kept with the complaints and are broken down by district.”

Hotard said Chief Administrative Secretary Natalie Robottom will be sending a letter to residents with their next bill to explain how garbage collection is handle in each area.