Desert Vista Picnic Area Reopens at Noon
Desert Vista's picnic area reopens this afternoon, following several weeks of closure due to annual maintenance. SCSCAI's Landscape Director Louis Darling said, "I'm happy to be able to let everyone know that at noon today the BBQ area at Desert Vista will reopen. The turf is still young, so no tackle football will be allowed." Enjoy the cool, shady area and be sure to let the landscapers know what a great job they did. It's been a long, hot journey.
Get Your Tickets Now for The Summit's 4th of July Feast
Nothing says the Fourth of July like BBQ and SCSCAI’s Food & Beverage Department wants to make sure residents get a great taste of the holiday – dry-rubbed baby back ribs, beef brisket, BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, scalloped potatoes, salad and dessert. Assemble a group of friends and save your appetite. The all-you-can-eat buffet runs from 6-9 p.m. at The Summit; $13.95 for residents; $17.95 for non-residents. The fireworks show from the Strip is free. RSVP and advance payment is required. Call 702-240-1313.
Las Vegas Golden Knights to Present a Fourth of July Float in Summerlin Parade
Celebrate the Fourth of July next door to Sun City when the Summerlin Council presents its 24th annual Patriotic Parade. The free events gets underway across Lake Mead Boulevard and runs from 9-11 a.m. The route will begin at the corner of Hillpointe Road and Hills Center Drive in the Trails Village. The parade travels south toward Village Center Circle, then west on Trailwood Drive. The parade ends near the corner of Trailwood Drive and Spring Gate Lane.
More than 40,000 people are expected to watch the parade. New entries this year include the floats “Vegas Golden Knights: Vegas Born, Vegas Strong,” “Hamilton’s America,” “Coco’s Fiesta Espectacular,” and appearances by The Incredibles, Black Panther, Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band and Paw Patrol.
American military heroes, giant inflatable balloons and bands will round out the celebration.
Guests are advised to arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on, along with plenty of water. The escort division starts off the festivities at 8:30 a.m.
More than 40,000 people are expected to watch the parade. New entries this year include the floats “Vegas Golden Knights: Vegas Born, Vegas Strong,” “Hamilton’s America,” “Coco’s Fiesta Espectacular,” and appearances by The Incredibles, Black Panther, Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band and Paw Patrol.
American military heroes, giant inflatable balloons and bands will round out the celebration.
Guests are advised to arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on, along with plenty of water. The escort division starts off the festivities at 8:30 a.m.
Update From Mitzi -- A Q&A With Republic Services
Mountain Shadows Social Monitor Jean Mizzi shows the three sizes of trash containers that will be provided free to residents for the new pickup service starting in September. The cans are currently on display at Mountain Shadows and will be rotated among the community centers so that residents can get a look at the individual sizes. Photo by Jeannette Carrillo/Link
Dear Sun City Summerlin Residents,
The following is a recap of the questions and answers from the Town Hall hosted by Republic Services on June 20, 2018. For those of you who could not make it, hopefully the information below answers your questions, if not the meeting can be viewed on the Sun City Link Magazine Facebook group page. In addition, there will be another Town Hall in September.
1. Who authorized this change?
The contract for refuse service is through the City of Las Vegas. A few years ago the City of Las Vegas voted to change the service to provide recycle service that allows all recyclables to be put in one container (no need for sorting). Sun City Summerlin is one of the last communities to be converted and in that time Republic Services has learned the most efficient way to convert a community.
2. How will we know when the service is going to start?
The goal is to start service either the end of September or the beginning of October. Two weeks before your service is to start you will be mailed a Start Up Letter with important information on the change in services, including start date, pick up schedule and bulk pick up schedule. The letter is sent to the current resident, with the sender being Republic Services. It is very important information so you need to open it upon receipt.
3. How will we know what goes in the Recycle container?
This information will be included in your Start Up Letter from Republic Services (see #2). In addition, when your recycle container is received there will be a letter taped on the top of it with additional information, and the recycle can has a label on top of it with pictures of the items that can be recycled.
4. Do we have to separate recycle items?
You do not separate recycle items, they all go in the same container.
5. Do we have to wash items before putting them in the recycle container?
You do not have too, but you may want to rinse items that have had food or beverages in them to keep the container from becoming dirty or sticky inside, and also to prevent it from developing a smell.
6. Do we have to bag the items put in the container?
Recycle Container: Items do not need to be bagged, and for the recycle process it is better if they are put in loose. If you prefer to bag the items per the presentation that is perfectly okay.
Regular Trash should be bagged before putting it in the container.
7. How many containers will be delivered?
You will receive two containers; a container for regular trash (blue container with black lid) and a container for recycle trash (blue container with blue lid).
8. Will the containers have wheels?
Yes, both containers are portable and have two large wheels on the back of the container.
9. Presently some residents pay extra to rent containers from Republic Services, what will the rental fee for these new containers?
There will be no rental fee. The containers are part of the service, the service amount you are currently paying will not change, and if you are currently renting containers from Republic Services your fee will go down.
10. What if you are away on vacation or have not returned yet to Summerlin Sun City when the containers are delivered?
This information will be included in your Start Up Letter from Republic Services (see #2). In your letter you will be advised to call 702-735-5151 to delay the delivery of your containers. The presenter at the meeting cautioned that delivery when requested can take several days, so you should not wait until the day you return to request delivery of your containers. Note: I will send out an email when we receive the two-week advance notice, so those of you who are not going to be here get a reminder to call in.
11. Can residents opt out of this service and contract with someone else on their own?
Refuse service is mandated by the City of Las Vegas. If you decided not to use the service you would still receive a bill, the only difference is you would not put your container out for service and would be responsible to dispose of your trash. You cannot call Republic Services and cancel service.
12. Can the residents of Sun City Summerlin opt out of the container service and contract directly with Republic Services to just put bagged garbage on out like is presently being done?
No, the City of Las Vegas has contracted for this service and all residents of the City must convert to the container service.
13. How often will we have trash service?
Your regular trash and recycle trash will be picked up once a week on Tuesday. Every other week you will also have bulk trash pickup. The schedule information will be included in your Start Up Letter from Republic Services (see #2).
14. With trash service going to once a week, will the there be a reduction in rates?
No, you are still getting the same amount of service with the new service. You will have regular trash pickup once a week with a truck designated for regular trash and one driver. You will receive recycle trash pickup once a week with a truck designated for recycle trash and one driver. Every other week a bulk pick up truck with a driver and two workers will come to pick up bulk trash. So in summary 2 trucks and 2 drivers each week, and every other week 3 trucks, 3 drivers and 2 additional workers. This is what you have now, with one extra worker for bulk pickup.
15. Can a resident still get twice a week service?
Any resident can contract for an additional pickup each week for an additional fee. The presenter did state that residents should try the new service first as many people have found that if they use the recycle container and the regular trash container once a week is sufficient.
16. If we would like to start using the service now can we have our containers delivered before the end of September?
Unfortunately, no, the service requires specialty trucks. The current trucks cannot pick up the new containers.
17. Some of my neighbors already have containers supplied by Republic Services, why?
When Republic Services first made a presentation about two years ago, certain areas signed up to receive the service.
18. Are we required by law to have 2 containers?
No you are not. After the containers are delivered you can call 702-735-5151 and schedule to have the recycle container picked up. Nevada is not a mandatory recycle state. You do have to take delivery of both containers.
19. What size are the containers?
There are 3 different sizes of containers; 35 gallon, 65 gallon and 95 gallon.
20. What size containers will be delivered?
All homes will receive two 35 gallon containers. If after receiving the 35 gallon container you find you need or want a larger one, you can call 702-735-5151 to schedule the pickup of the 35 gallon and delivery of the size you want.
21. What if a resident is not physically able to take the containers to the street or bring them back in?
Republic Services offers a disability service if you are unable to roll your container to the street. You do have to place your container on your driveway up against your closed garage door, the driver will roll the container to the truck, dump the container and place it back at your garage door. You do have to fill out a form and provide information about your disability. Starting July 1 you can pick the form up at the Administration Office at Mountain Shadows Community Center. If you prefer to have a form mailed to you, you will need to call Republic Services at 702-735-5151. Please note the forms are uniquely numbered so do not copy or send a copy to anyone.
22. Where do we store the containers?
Many people store the containers in their garage. Nevada State law requires that associations allow residents to store the containers outside, and allows the associations to draft reasonable rules as to how the containers be shielded from view. The Sun City Summerlin Architectural Committee is working on the rules now and I will let you know when they have a recommendation.
23. Where do we put the containers for pick-up?
You will place your containers in the street with the wheels backed up to the curb. You should place the two containers about two feet apart and away from items such as mailboxes and utility boxes. The truck arm needs to be able to get between the containers to pick them up.
24. Do we open the lid or leave it closed when we put it out for pickup?
The lid should be completely closed.
25. Where will Republic Services place the container after they dump it?
The truck arm will pick up the container and put it down in the same place it was picked up.
26. If the container falls over when the Republic Services truck arm sets it down will the driver get out and pick the container up?
If the container falls over when it is placed back down, the driver will get out of the truck and stand it back up.
27. If I have containers already provided by Republic Services what do I do with it or them?
Republic Services will pick up the containers, the schedule for pick up will be included your Start Up Letter from Republic Services (see #2). If you have the red, white and blue stack bins and you want to keep them you can.
28. If I have a garbage can that I personally purchased what do I do with it?
You can use these cans for bulk items, your personal owned trash cans will be dumped on bulk pick up days. If you no longer want your personal can, you might offer it to your landscaper or you can call Republic Services at 702-735-5151 and schedule them to pick it up.
29. Can we order the container size we want?
All homes will receive two 35 gallon containers. If after receiving the 35 gallon container you find you need or want a larger one, you can call 702-735-5151 to schedule the pickup of the 35 gallon and delivery of the size you want.
30. For residents who are gone for six months or more can garbage service be put on hold and no fees or minimum fees charged for those months?
No, the City of Las Vegas ordinance regarding trash service prohibits residents from putting service on hold. This is primarily to keep people from putting their trash service on hold and then putting their trash in other resident’s containers of service day or allowing trash to accumulate in their yards. As long as a home has an active water/sewer bill they are required to have trash service.
31. When will the new service begin?
Late September or early October 2018.
32. Will the regular trash container and the recycle container be picked up on the same day?
Yes, both containers will be picked up on Tuesdays, but at different times and by different trucks.
33. What if I have extra garbage, can I just bag it and put it next to the garbage container?
Occasionally you may have more trash than you have room for in the container. When this happens, bag the garbage and put it nest to the container and the driver will reload the container one additional time. If you find this happening on a regular basis you should call 702-735-515 to increase the size of your container –or- get an additional container.
34. With the high temperatures in this area, won’t the containers be stinky?
This system was modeled after what Arizona is doing. The temperatures there are higher and for much longer. The findings are that when trash is bagged and raw food is double bagged or frozen until trash day there really is not an issue. The presenter cautioned that the containers are plastic and will absorb the smell of items that spill on to them, so the key to eliminating smells is not allowing liquids or food to make contact with the container.
35. Will Republic Services still pick up large items that will not fit in the trash container such as large boxes, furniture, tree limbs, etc.?
Yes, items such as palm fronds, household appliances and other items that do not fit in the containers are considered bulk items and will be collected on your scheduled bulk pickup dates. Cardboard and palm fronds need to be tied and neatly placed at the curb for pick up along with any other bulk items. Your personally owned trash container can also be serviced on bulk pick up days.
36. Which container do we put grass trimmings in?
Grass trimmings go in the regular trash container or can be placed in bags for pick up on bulk pick up day.
37. How much does each different container weigh?
We were not given the weight of an empty can, since the wheels and design makes the cart easy to roll. A 35 gallon can will hold a load up to 125 pounds, a 65 gallon can will hold a load up to 230 pounds and a 95 gallon can will hold a load up to 335 pounds.
38. What are the outside dimensions of each container?
35 gallon – H38.2 x W22.8 x D22.3
65 gallon – H41.5 x W24.4 x D27.5
95 gallon – H44.3 x W27.6 x D31.5
39. Will there be an issue in the high winds we have in Las Vegas and especially in areas of our community with the 35 gallon containers blowing over?
The containers, just like loose trash and other containers residents use may blow in high winds. The containers have been rated for up to 35 miles an hour winds, but unusually high winds may tip the container, depending on if it is empty or not.
40. If the container rolls down the hill in a wind, how will residents know which can is theirs?
Each can has an identification number imprinted on it. Republic services does not keep record of this number, but you can make note of it to identify your container. You can also put your address on your container by placing a piece of tape on the container and writing your address on the tape. Do not write directly on the container or paint your address on the container.
41. Who pays to repair containers if the need repaired?
Republic Services will repair or replace a broken cart at no charge. If your cart is damaged or needs repaired call 702-735-5151 to schedule an appointment.
42. If a container damages someone’s property because of the wind, who pays for the damage?
Wind is an “Act of God” and like all other incidents of this kind damages are the responsibility of the person who has suffered the damage.
The following is a recap of the questions and answers from the Town Hall hosted by Republic Services on June 20, 2018. For those of you who could not make it, hopefully the information below answers your questions, if not the meeting can be viewed on the Sun City Link Magazine Facebook group page. In addition, there will be another Town Hall in September.
1. Who authorized this change?
The contract for refuse service is through the City of Las Vegas. A few years ago the City of Las Vegas voted to change the service to provide recycle service that allows all recyclables to be put in one container (no need for sorting). Sun City Summerlin is one of the last communities to be converted and in that time Republic Services has learned the most efficient way to convert a community.
2. How will we know when the service is going to start?
The goal is to start service either the end of September or the beginning of October. Two weeks before your service is to start you will be mailed a Start Up Letter with important information on the change in services, including start date, pick up schedule and bulk pick up schedule. The letter is sent to the current resident, with the sender being Republic Services. It is very important information so you need to open it upon receipt.
3. How will we know what goes in the Recycle container?
This information will be included in your Start Up Letter from Republic Services (see #2). In addition, when your recycle container is received there will be a letter taped on the top of it with additional information, and the recycle can has a label on top of it with pictures of the items that can be recycled.
4. Do we have to separate recycle items?
You do not separate recycle items, they all go in the same container.
5. Do we have to wash items before putting them in the recycle container?
You do not have too, but you may want to rinse items that have had food or beverages in them to keep the container from becoming dirty or sticky inside, and also to prevent it from developing a smell.
6. Do we have to bag the items put in the container?
Recycle Container: Items do not need to be bagged, and for the recycle process it is better if they are put in loose. If you prefer to bag the items per the presentation that is perfectly okay.
Regular Trash should be bagged before putting it in the container.
7. How many containers will be delivered?
You will receive two containers; a container for regular trash (blue container with black lid) and a container for recycle trash (blue container with blue lid).
8. Will the containers have wheels?
Yes, both containers are portable and have two large wheels on the back of the container.
9. Presently some residents pay extra to rent containers from Republic Services, what will the rental fee for these new containers?
There will be no rental fee. The containers are part of the service, the service amount you are currently paying will not change, and if you are currently renting containers from Republic Services your fee will go down.
10. What if you are away on vacation or have not returned yet to Summerlin Sun City when the containers are delivered?
This information will be included in your Start Up Letter from Republic Services (see #2). In your letter you will be advised to call 702-735-5151 to delay the delivery of your containers. The presenter at the meeting cautioned that delivery when requested can take several days, so you should not wait until the day you return to request delivery of your containers. Note: I will send out an email when we receive the two-week advance notice, so those of you who are not going to be here get a reminder to call in.
11. Can residents opt out of this service and contract with someone else on their own?
Refuse service is mandated by the City of Las Vegas. If you decided not to use the service you would still receive a bill, the only difference is you would not put your container out for service and would be responsible to dispose of your trash. You cannot call Republic Services and cancel service.
12. Can the residents of Sun City Summerlin opt out of the container service and contract directly with Republic Services to just put bagged garbage on out like is presently being done?
No, the City of Las Vegas has contracted for this service and all residents of the City must convert to the container service.
13. How often will we have trash service?
Your regular trash and recycle trash will be picked up once a week on Tuesday. Every other week you will also have bulk trash pickup. The schedule information will be included in your Start Up Letter from Republic Services (see #2).
14. With trash service going to once a week, will the there be a reduction in rates?
No, you are still getting the same amount of service with the new service. You will have regular trash pickup once a week with a truck designated for regular trash and one driver. You will receive recycle trash pickup once a week with a truck designated for recycle trash and one driver. Every other week a bulk pick up truck with a driver and two workers will come to pick up bulk trash. So in summary 2 trucks and 2 drivers each week, and every other week 3 trucks, 3 drivers and 2 additional workers. This is what you have now, with one extra worker for bulk pickup.
15. Can a resident still get twice a week service?
Any resident can contract for an additional pickup each week for an additional fee. The presenter did state that residents should try the new service first as many people have found that if they use the recycle container and the regular trash container once a week is sufficient.
16. If we would like to start using the service now can we have our containers delivered before the end of September?
Unfortunately, no, the service requires specialty trucks. The current trucks cannot pick up the new containers.
17. Some of my neighbors already have containers supplied by Republic Services, why?
When Republic Services first made a presentation about two years ago, certain areas signed up to receive the service.
18. Are we required by law to have 2 containers?
No you are not. After the containers are delivered you can call 702-735-5151 and schedule to have the recycle container picked up. Nevada is not a mandatory recycle state. You do have to take delivery of both containers.
19. What size are the containers?
There are 3 different sizes of containers; 35 gallon, 65 gallon and 95 gallon.
20. What size containers will be delivered?
All homes will receive two 35 gallon containers. If after receiving the 35 gallon container you find you need or want a larger one, you can call 702-735-5151 to schedule the pickup of the 35 gallon and delivery of the size you want.
21. What if a resident is not physically able to take the containers to the street or bring them back in?
Republic Services offers a disability service if you are unable to roll your container to the street. You do have to place your container on your driveway up against your closed garage door, the driver will roll the container to the truck, dump the container and place it back at your garage door. You do have to fill out a form and provide information about your disability. Starting July 1 you can pick the form up at the Administration Office at Mountain Shadows Community Center. If you prefer to have a form mailed to you, you will need to call Republic Services at 702-735-5151. Please note the forms are uniquely numbered so do not copy or send a copy to anyone.
22. Where do we store the containers?
Many people store the containers in their garage. Nevada State law requires that associations allow residents to store the containers outside, and allows the associations to draft reasonable rules as to how the containers be shielded from view. The Sun City Summerlin Architectural Committee is working on the rules now and I will let you know when they have a recommendation.
23. Where do we put the containers for pick-up?
You will place your containers in the street with the wheels backed up to the curb. You should place the two containers about two feet apart and away from items such as mailboxes and utility boxes. The truck arm needs to be able to get between the containers to pick them up.
24. Do we open the lid or leave it closed when we put it out for pickup?
The lid should be completely closed.
25. Where will Republic Services place the container after they dump it?
The truck arm will pick up the container and put it down in the same place it was picked up.
26. If the container falls over when the Republic Services truck arm sets it down will the driver get out and pick the container up?
If the container falls over when it is placed back down, the driver will get out of the truck and stand it back up.
27. If I have containers already provided by Republic Services what do I do with it or them?
Republic Services will pick up the containers, the schedule for pick up will be included your Start Up Letter from Republic Services (see #2). If you have the red, white and blue stack bins and you want to keep them you can.
28. If I have a garbage can that I personally purchased what do I do with it?
You can use these cans for bulk items, your personal owned trash cans will be dumped on bulk pick up days. If you no longer want your personal can, you might offer it to your landscaper or you can call Republic Services at 702-735-5151 and schedule them to pick it up.
29. Can we order the container size we want?
All homes will receive two 35 gallon containers. If after receiving the 35 gallon container you find you need or want a larger one, you can call 702-735-5151 to schedule the pickup of the 35 gallon and delivery of the size you want.
30. For residents who are gone for six months or more can garbage service be put on hold and no fees or minimum fees charged for those months?
No, the City of Las Vegas ordinance regarding trash service prohibits residents from putting service on hold. This is primarily to keep people from putting their trash service on hold and then putting their trash in other resident’s containers of service day or allowing trash to accumulate in their yards. As long as a home has an active water/sewer bill they are required to have trash service.
31. When will the new service begin?
Late September or early October 2018.
32. Will the regular trash container and the recycle container be picked up on the same day?
Yes, both containers will be picked up on Tuesdays, but at different times and by different trucks.
33. What if I have extra garbage, can I just bag it and put it next to the garbage container?
Occasionally you may have more trash than you have room for in the container. When this happens, bag the garbage and put it nest to the container and the driver will reload the container one additional time. If you find this happening on a regular basis you should call 702-735-515 to increase the size of your container –or- get an additional container.
34. With the high temperatures in this area, won’t the containers be stinky?
This system was modeled after what Arizona is doing. The temperatures there are higher and for much longer. The findings are that when trash is bagged and raw food is double bagged or frozen until trash day there really is not an issue. The presenter cautioned that the containers are plastic and will absorb the smell of items that spill on to them, so the key to eliminating smells is not allowing liquids or food to make contact with the container.
35. Will Republic Services still pick up large items that will not fit in the trash container such as large boxes, furniture, tree limbs, etc.?
Yes, items such as palm fronds, household appliances and other items that do not fit in the containers are considered bulk items and will be collected on your scheduled bulk pickup dates. Cardboard and palm fronds need to be tied and neatly placed at the curb for pick up along with any other bulk items. Your personally owned trash container can also be serviced on bulk pick up days.
36. Which container do we put grass trimmings in?
Grass trimmings go in the regular trash container or can be placed in bags for pick up on bulk pick up day.
37. How much does each different container weigh?
We were not given the weight of an empty can, since the wheels and design makes the cart easy to roll. A 35 gallon can will hold a load up to 125 pounds, a 65 gallon can will hold a load up to 230 pounds and a 95 gallon can will hold a load up to 335 pounds.
38. What are the outside dimensions of each container?
35 gallon – H38.2 x W22.8 x D22.3
65 gallon – H41.5 x W24.4 x D27.5
95 gallon – H44.3 x W27.6 x D31.5
39. Will there be an issue in the high winds we have in Las Vegas and especially in areas of our community with the 35 gallon containers blowing over?
The containers, just like loose trash and other containers residents use may blow in high winds. The containers have been rated for up to 35 miles an hour winds, but unusually high winds may tip the container, depending on if it is empty or not.
40. If the container rolls down the hill in a wind, how will residents know which can is theirs?
Each can has an identification number imprinted on it. Republic services does not keep record of this number, but you can make note of it to identify your container. You can also put your address on your container by placing a piece of tape on the container and writing your address on the tape. Do not write directly on the container or paint your address on the container.
41. Who pays to repair containers if the need repaired?
Republic Services will repair or replace a broken cart at no charge. If your cart is damaged or needs repaired call 702-735-5151 to schedule an appointment.
42. If a container damages someone’s property because of the wind, who pays for the damage?
Wind is an “Act of God” and like all other incidents of this kind damages are the responsibility of the person who has suffered the damage.