J’s Restaurant locked out of dumpster

LISA HOBBS - News Editor

Warren County Government has carried through on a threat to bar J’s Restaurant from using a compactor – consequences for not paying fees of $1,936 before Sept. 1.

“A lock is on the dumpster,” said J.C. Petit Jr., on Tuesday. “I came in at about 7:50 this morning and no lock. I left to run some errands for a quick minute. I came back and there’s a lock on the dumpster.”

The county Building and Grounds Committee met in August and unanimously voted to lock the dumpster on Sept. 1, if fees were not paid. Additionally, members voted to send a letter demanding payment of the fees within 15 days. If unpaid, members stated they would meet again and begin the steps necessary to terminate the restaurant’s lease agreement for nonpayment.

“I haven’t received a letter,” said Petit. “My attorney hasn’t received one.”

At the heart of the discontent is a lease agreement that was in place before the county purchased the building. While it outlines how the restaurant should handle its garbage, it also states, “If landlord shall provide or designate a service for disposing or picking up refuse and garbage, then tenant shall use same.”

Petit stated he used the dumpster because it was provided by the landlord, but his lease doesn’t require him to pay for it. He added that when a new lease is signed and includes dumpster fees, he will pay.

When asked by Warren County Way how he intends to dispose of the restaurant’s garbage, Petit declined to comment.