Frank DePinto, a Chattanooga resident and recycling advocate, is trying to oust Mayor Ron Littlefield just weeks after the mayor was elected for a second term.

Mr. DePinto has written a letter to the Hamilton County Election Commission, asking to be placed on the April 27 meeting agenda for approval of a recall petition.

Mr. DePinto has been highly critical of the mayor’s recycling plans, especially curbside service. He has said he would like weekly curbside service restored.

Mr. Littlefield won the March 3 general election against challenger Rob Healy with 57 percent of the vote to Mr. Healy’s 40 percent.

going nuclear

Hamilton County Commissioner Richard Casavant raised a question Thursday when Chattanooga City Forester Gene Hyde and Karen Hundt of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency gave a presentation on the city’s new Climate Action Plan.

“What is the Green Committee’s position on nuclear power?” Dr. Casavant asked.

Mr. Hyde, the chairman of the city’s Green Committee, said the committee took no position.

The committee’s report mentions solar power, wind power and methane gas as potential alternative energy sources but does not include nuclear power.

“It seems to me that your objectives ... are not obtainable without nuclear power,” Dr. Casavant said. “But the problem there is that many of the people that support what you’re doing will bring (law)suits against any nuclear power attempt.”

Mr. Hyde said individuals on the committee have varying points of view on nuclear power, but the committee never took an official vote on the issue.

OOPS

The Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority last week announced that it will begin its “corrective action plan,” which will include an $8 monthly fee for gravity sewer customers, next month.

But a typo in the original release required a correction.

“Beginning May 1, 2009, the Hamilton County Water & Wastewater Treatment Authority (WWTA) will begin implementation of the eight dollar ($8.00) fee for the Private Service Lateral Program as a part of the Corrective Action Plan (CRAP) to establish a Maintenance, Operation, and Maintenance (MOM) program as required by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC),” the release stated.

A later e-mail from wastewater authority officials pointed out that the acronym for “corrective action plan” is CAP, not CRAP.

DOUBLE BAGGED

Jerry Stewart, the city’s director of water resources division, gave a presentation Tuesday at the Public Works Committee on a report of the city’s sewage system.

As Mr. Stewart gave his presentation, he and City Council members joked throughout. Lifting a white toolbox onto the table, Councilwoman Carol Berz had a question.

“Those aren’t samples of solid waste are they?” she asked.

Mr. Stewart later answered the question by lifting bags of solid waste out of the toolbox that he said he could pass around for council members to “feel.” He talked about how some of the solid waste has been going to farmers to use as fertilizer.

Councilman Jack Benson asked if there were any complaints of the smell. Mr. Stewart said “no.”

“To me, it smells like bread and butter,” he said.

“You’re the only person who could make this somewhat entertaining,” Councilman Dan Page responded.

At the conclusion, Councilwoman Sally Robinson expressed her appreciation regarding the solid waste samples.

“We sure appreciate you double bagging it,” she said.

IBEW ENDORSES BENNETT

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers endorsed City Councilwoman Linda Bennett on Friday in the District 1 race.

Gary Watkins, political director of Local IBEW 175, said in a news release that the union appreciates the reasonable manner in which she represents the district.

“Her ability to solve problems and provide leadership on important issues makes her re-election even more important,” he said.

Ms. Bennett faces Deborah Scott in the Tuesday runoff.

COMMITTEE WANTS TO BE PROACTIVE

The City Council’s budget, finance and personnel committee met Tuesday to talk about strategic planning and a resolution that would approve a mission statement for the council.

Councilman Jack Benson said he disagreed with how the resolution was written and would not vote on it. When told the council was trying to be more proactive, he had his own opinion.

“Proactive is a wonderful word,” he said. “Just like motherhood.”

During the City Council’s meeting later Tuesday night, Mr. Benson continued raising objections on the resolution’s poorly worded message.

“Somebody needs to stay after school and work on this,” he said.

The council voted 5-4 to defer the resolution for two weeks.

A serious topic

The Comedy Catch is hosting a speaker on gang awareness at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Marc Fomby will talk about current gang trends, gang awareness and gang signs.

Members of the community are invited to attend the free event, but they need to RSVP by calling 629-2233. The Comedy Catch is at 3224 Brainerd Road near the tunnels.

Pizza and soft drinks will be served. The program is also sponsored by the Brainerd Neighborhood Coalition and CADAS.