City prepares to install pet waste stations

City officials said Thursday that they have received commitments from 10 individuals or residential groups to sponsor depository stations designed to keep neighborhoods free of animal waste.

The first stations are scheduled to be installed by mid-September, said Phillipe Eskandar, a program specialist with the city’s Neighborhood Services division, which is overseeing the program.

“We are hoping to install within the next four weeks or so,” Eskandar said.

The courtesy waste station program was introduced earlier this year under the umbrella of the Clean and Beautiful Glendale initiative. It mirrors a similar program in Charlotte, N.C. The stations consist of a post with a plastic-bag dispenser containing bags that people can use to clean up after their pets.

Residents who want a station on their block must make a one-time $200 donation to cover the costs of installation, Eskandar said. Sponsors are responsible for restocking the station, although the city will provide the bags for pick-up at City Hall free of charge, Eskandar said.

They are also tasked with reporting any vandalism or needed repairs.

The $200-donation repelled at least one would-be sponsor. Ronald Corkum, who lives in the Rossmoyne neighborhood, was excited to take on the responsibility of manning a station, but balked at ponying up the money.

“I even thought if they don’t provide a trash can, maybe I can get a little trash can with a lid that I could attach below,” Corkum said.

Eskandar said that interest in the program is high despite the expense involved. In several cases, neighbors have banded together to cover the $200-donation, he added.

“We wanted to make sure that it was not only a feasible program, but that the program would be sustainable,” Eskandar said. “With the way things are these days, program sustainability is essential.”