After reading the article in the Wednesday December 13 TR about approving changes to the garbage collection ordinance, I was very upset, so I decided to express my concerns in a letter to the editor.

I have been concerned about the possible changes discussed at the Marshalltown city council meeting. I was feeling selfish being concerned about how the possible changes would affect me personally. I was so upset tonight that I decided to express my feelings in writing.

We decided to retire in Marshalltown because I thought it was a retired-person friendly community.

Now I have a problem with garbage disposal proposals before the city council. I have enjoyed the personal service that Stone has provided. I have a problem walking without a cane or walker. I am able to open my garage door and push my garbage can which is a manageable size out the door and at the end of the day slide it back into my garage.

The garbage cans provided by the garbage pick-up service are too large for me to manage. Our driveway is very slanted so when there is ice or snow I can not walk down the driveway to place the garbage can at the place for curb pickup. I would have to hire someone to come in the morning to take it out and return in the evening to bring it back to the garage. Also the containers are so large that they would not fit in my garage. I have noticed that many residents using the curb service leave their garbage cans stored in front of their garage or house. That is not a very pleasing sight. The TR article said that pick-up haulers would offer service at the house, at the house. But how long before that will also be changed?

I’m expressing my concerns for a minority of people like myself.