Alderman David Mitchell said at Monday’s council meeting he had in the distant past brought up the topic of what to do about plastic bags as an environmental concern, and recently during Public Comments Pat Matsukis brought it up again. Mitchell said making a statement about the use of plastics fits in with the identity of Eureka Springs as a green-friendly community. He said grocery stores in Aspen, Colo., charge 3-5 cents per plastic bag for groceries.
Mayor Butch Berry said he was totally supportive of Mitchell’s point.
Alderman Terry McClung said it would be helpful if recycling could pick up plastics like bags, but, “if we can’t recycle them, then eliminate them.” Berry said that was his thought, but alderman Mickey Schneider strongly insisted any decision about plastic bags must include input from downtown merchants.
Mitchell moved they draft an ordinance regarding plastic bags with the goal of eliminating them. Bob Thomas wanted to get public input before an ordinance was drafted, but Berry said the ordinance process would take six weeks, plenty time for public input.
Thomas was not satisfied and wanted council to set up a public hearing, and Schneider again was adamant council could not legislate eliminating plastic bags without a public hearing.
Mitchell said council already that evening had deferred a decision on the third reading of an ordinance because of public input, and declared they could get something in writing and still allow everyone an opportunity to respond.
McClung agreed he wanted something in hand before they decide to have a public hearing, but Thomas spoke for proper process. He would outlaw plastic bags at that meeting except there needed to be an appropriate process with input from citizens.
Schneider interpreted the proceedings as forcing shopkeepers to do something without any input, and said, “Council should have a workshop with shopkeepers before you screw them over.”
Nevertheless, the vote to approve Mitchell’s motion was 4-1, Schneider voting No.
Thomas followed with a motion that the draft ordinance would not be read more than once per meeting, and the vote was 4-0-1, Schneider abstaining.