Monday, 22 February 2010 17:00

Ione Remains Non-Exclusive in its Draft Trash Franchise Ordinance

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slide1.pngAmador County – The Ione City Council last week voted to remain non-exclusive in its trash service franchising, and also approved 3 suggestions by ACES Waste Service. City Manager Kim Kerr said staff shared a draft franchising ordinance with ACES owners Paul Molinelli Senior and Paul Molinelli Junior, with comments including that they would like to see an “experience requirement,” so that someone with a truck cannot try to vie for the professional services. She said staff agreed that comments by ACES should go in the ordinance language. Councilman Lee Ard said the city council “took a major hit from going non-exclusive,” and said he supported exclusive franchising. Ard said the council took “a lot of hits all over the county about what we are doing.” He said there is “no competition in the county now, because Amador Disposal (the former city trash contractor) has left” the city. He said the council’s “integrity” was questioned all around the county. He urged a 5-year contract review, and a stipulation that “rate increases, if there are any, not exceed” the Consumer Price Index. Staff recommended options with or without mandatory service requirements in city limits, but the council declined that. Ulm said he supported non-exclusive franchising to allow “more competition,” which could keep costs down. Vice Mayor David Plank said he “brought up mandatory” language because of trucks sitting around town with full loads of trash bags. He said: “we’re in the 21st century,” and piles of trash can attract rodents, and larger animals of prey. He agreed the CPI is fair, as did Councilwoman Andrea Bonham, but she opposed mandatory service. She said: “I don’t think it’s a public nuisance, and it’s not my job to spend their money.” The council voted 3-2 against mandating service. It also voted 5-0 to approve ACES recommendations, including that applicants must demonstrate an “experience threshold,” and that “collection vehicle standards must be met.” The same vote limited fee increases not to exceed the CPI, with that language to be made part of specific agreements. They also limited rate increases to once a year. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Read 377 times Last modified on Wednesday, 24 February 2010 04:59
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