The results of a survey sent out to North Catasauqua residents earlier this year are coming in, and it looks like there is not a lot of interest in using the services offered by the First Regional Compost Authority by borough property owners.

John Yanek reported the survey results at the April 9 borough council meeting.

At a November meeting of the council, President Joseph Keglovits had reported the borough received an estimate from the First Regional Compost Authority regarding the cost to the borough to acquire a membership. The council had decided to inquire about the possibility of signing on for a two-year membership at the Weaversville Road facility that would allow residents to drop off yard waste such as felled trees that are too large to place at the curb for refuse pickup.The council requested a quote for a two-year membership so the contract renewal would coincide with the renewal of the borough's refuse contract with J.P. Mascaro & Sons.

Keglovits said the price quoted was $9,401.70 per year and an additional $1,137 to send out postcards informing residents of the program.

With that informaton in hand, the borough included a survey in the mailing of the water and sewer bills to residents in January, requesting replies indicating how many residents would use the FRCA service if the borough paid for it.

With about 80 percent of the water and sewer bills now paid, 904 reported they would not use the service, and 13 percent said they would, with 586 bill-payers not responding to the survey.

Council members discussed the possiblity of offering a satellite location for dropping off large limbs and yard waste in the borough, but, as Yanek said, "They won't be able to get their stuff there if they don't have a truck."

Keglovits also commented if the borough provides a satellite drop-off location, it would have to be monitored to make sure people don't drop off unapproved items.

"Most don't seem to care if we offer this," Yanek said. "Ninety percent of [yard waste] put out in the garbage can be taken by Mascaro."

"I don't think there's an advantage," commented Councilman Bill Nothstein.

Council voted unanimously to drop the idea of an FRCA contract.

Residents may arrange to use the services of FRCA on an individual basis, paying a fee to drop off large items of yard waste and to pick up mulch.