New solid waste agreement to save residents money
City Council approved a new franchise agreement with Waste Connections Lone Star after allowing city staff to negotiate new terms with the solid waste and recycling pickup service last month.
According to the new agreement, Dripping Springs residents will see a decrease of at least $1.50 per month for trash collection. Previously, trash service cost $20.25 per month per household, with the new rate set at $18.75.
The new rate also includes recycling service for no additional charge. Recycling had previously been an add-on service that 75% of homes in the city were paying for, according the city.
Waste Connections Lone Star will also begin offering bulk and brush pickup services on Fridays every other week, a service that was not offered in the past.
Fire in the Sky show will live on
City Council approved the annual Fire in the Sky fireworks show beginning at 9:30 p.m. July 4. Fireworks will be launched from Dripping Springs Sports & Recreation Park this year instead of Dripping Springs Ranch Park to allow viewing from a location that is closer to the center of the town.
To encourage social distancing and safe viewing, the park will be closed during the show. Residents will be able to view the show from locations downtown, including Mercer Street, the H-E-B parking lot and the Home Depot parking lot.
Ranch Park rules approved by City Council
After reviewing rules last week to allow the Ranch Park event center to reopen in a limited capacity, City Council approved a set of rules for Ranch Park Indoor Arena and riding memberships. A list of rules can be found here.
Last week, Parks and Community Services Director Kelly Schmidt said the event center had reopened following state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Hand sanitizer stations will be present at the center, while garage doors will be rolled up to allow for better air flow.
Some horse shows have resumed at the event center, and groups have started to rent out the center for private events. The outdoor area and riding trails have also been open during the coronavirus pandemic.
