East Ridge officials said the new automated garbage service should be ready by the first of January.

The city has already rolled out many of the 9,000 new garbage cans to residents and businesses.

The City Council on Thursday night approved a bid of $331,195 by Lee Smith for two new automated garbage trucks. It will be several months before they arrive.

East Ridge has also launched a new afternoon day care program.

Mayor Mike Steele said that has been one of its aims - to have a program that will help tutor students in the afternoons.

The program will be operated at the East Ridge Recreation Center from 3-6 p.m. by the James A. Henry Branch of the YMCA. Tutors will be on hand to help the 30 students served.

The cost is $19,776 for East Ridge. The Osborne Foundation is contributing $7,500.

Mayor Steele said he hopes the program may eventually expand and might be housed in McBrien Elementary, which will close after this school year.

City Manager William Whitson said the city is launching a "Go Green to Save Green" program. He said it involves diverting fats, cooking oil and grease from going down sinks and drains.

Instead, he said they can be collected and used to help power the city's bio-diesel vehicles.

Mr. Whitson said the program may eventually bring the city's per-gallon cost for the vehicles down to 25-cent or 30-cent a gallon.

He said Kevin Verro has been hired as the city's bio-diesel director at a salary of $38,000. He will start on Aug. 27.

One couple asked the City Council for speed humps on their street. City Manager Whitson said the city's insurance carrier considers speed humps a liability.

However, he said the city is continuing to work with the carrier on a plan that will allow some speed deterrents in neighborhoods.

The first Breakfast Connection will be Saturday, Aug. 29. Mr. Whitson said he and City Council members will be at South Seminole Baptist Church.

He said some are uncomfortable going to City Hall, "so we are going to take City Hall to you."

He said citizens are urged to come by and discuss issues with city officials.

Jack Jordan asked again if the city plans to ever resurrect the dormant Housing Commission.

He said the city has been talking about code enforcement, but not taking action.

He said of one section of McBrien Road is "a jungle. It's an insult."

Mr. Whitson said about 300 residents have voted on their choice for a new city flag. There were 18 entries.

He said the city will soon choose the top four and then name a winner at the Aug. 27 council meeting.