Fashion Master

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2016/09/12) */
Revdex.com of Northern Indiana [redacted]
Fort Wayne, IN XXXXX
RE: Response to Case # [redacted] Dear Ms. [redacted]
I am writing in response to the case referenced above alleging theft by the city of Valparaiso for charging Mr....

[redacted] with a “Misc Garbage” fee of [redacted]
Our records indicate that Mr. [redacted] has one trash receptacle at his residence. He is charged [redacted] monthly for trash and recycling services as evidenced on his water bill. Chapter 53 of the Valparaiso Code of Ordinances entitled “Refuse and Recycling” (see attached) states the following:
· “The refuse/garbage collection fee shall be billed and collected by the Valparaiso city utilities in conjunction with the city sanitary sewer and water billing. All refuse/garbage collection fees shall be due upon billing by the Valparaiso city utilities and if not paid within 30 days, shall be subject to a penalty of [redacted]
· “All refuse must be placed in the disposal unit;”
· “No other containers will be picked up, including refuse outside or on top of the unit;”
· “Fees will be charged for the following items: Refuse in excess of the provided disposal unit;” and
· “The solid waste management fee shall be payable monthly and shall be billed, whenever practical to
do so, with the city utility bill associated with charges for water, wastewater, and other services.”
As necessary the city’s solid waste personnel issue notifications in the form of tickets attached to a resident’s refuse receptacle. On April 21, 2016, the city’s personnel observed excess trash outside of Mr. [redacted] refuse container. A notice was attached to the receptacle and a duplicate copy submitted to the department
supervisor, Mr. [redacted] The amount of excess trash was approximately 1 cubic yard. The supervisor issued a [redacted] fee for excess trash as per the city’s code of ordinances. A copy of the notification issued to the resident is attached. Note, the resident’s copy did not specify “1 Bucket”. This was notated on the city’s copy by Mr. [redacted] for billing purposes only. Mr. [redacted] works from 7 am to 3 pm and spends the majority of his time in the field. It is plausible that Mr. [redacted] was unable to connect with Mr. [redacted] as he is rarely at his desk. We do concur with Mr. [redacted] that Mr. [redacted] did indeed return his call. We do believe, however, that the notice attached to his trash receptacle explained the fee as well as Mr. [redacted] voicemail which reinforced the fee for excess trash.
The city believes that its “Refuse and Recycling” ordinance is clear and that the city’s agents acted lawfully in discharging their duties as permitted in Chapter 53 of the Valparaiso Code of Ordinances entitled “Refuse and Recycling”.
[redacted] Director of Public Works
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 7, 2016/09/12) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
There was no "excess" garbage on my property. There has been no proof by this company otherwise. I've spent a good amount of my time trying to contact them and they are not willing to provide any sort of proof there was anything to charge me for. This contact with the Revdex.com has been a courtesy to them. My next action will be to file a full police report and contact the complaint department of the NWI Times
Final Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2016/09/21) */
Ms. [redacted]
I am unable to provide photographs of the Mr. [redacted]' trash receptacle on the day of the incident. Our current process does not include taking photographs of incidents involving extra trash. Under the ordinance I am permitted to waive fees. Therefore, in this instance, I am happy to refund the miscellaneous fee. The utility department will be notified of this decision and a refund will be issued according to their billing procedures.
Final Consumer Response /* (2000, 11, 2016/09/26) */
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
Thank you