The Council asked various questions before Harrison and Consolidated personnel addressed the Council.Nan Drake, who handles Harrison’s governmental affairs/public relations, said she and other company employees, including more than two dozen drivers, are “here in the spirit of cooperation... because we do care about this city.” Ralph Harrison said the company is “vested in this city” through area residents, as well as strong community support. One speaker said company employees enjoy union salaries and benefits.Chamber of Commerce President Sam Hishmeh told the Council the Harrison family “contributes significantly to the local economy as well as to the nonprofits,” and urged the Council to retain the company. Mike Mobley agreed, and said “Harrison has a huge wealth of knowledge that the city has to tap into... they set the standards for the rest of the state,” and he suggested the company be considered for taking over the city’s residential trash services.Councilman Dr. Gabino Aguirre noted there are “no excuses” for diversion numbers not being met, and he questioned whether or not the city is “being seriously underserved.... 50 percent is good, but not good enough; that means we live on the edge” of state punitive action.Mayor Ralph Fernandez said he agreed that 50 percent compliance is “in the danger zone,” and requested minimums and “milestones” in the contracts subject to evaluation.The Council opted to continue contracting with the commercial haulers, but requested staff to ensure milestones and benchmarks be included in the contracts to ensure compliance. The new contracts are due to come back for Council approval by April 15.
Council keeps commercial haulers, but asks for contract milestones
February 13, 2009
Santa Paula City Council
With state fines for not meeting recycling diversion mandates looming, the City Council opted to stay with the city’s current commercial haulers instead of taking over the service for businesses and multi-family dwellings.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesWith state fines for not meeting recycling diversion mandates looming, the City Council opted to stay with the city’s current commercial haulers instead of taking over the service for businesses and multi-family dwellings. The Council made the decision at the February 2 meeting.Although the city has a residential recycling rate of more than 50 percent, overall Santa Paula’s numbers are the lowest in county at 36 percent. City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz noted the Council had asked at a previous meeting “to come back with updates on solid waste issues,” as the city deals with the threatened fines that could reach $10,000 a day.“I want to reiterate what staff’s message is for this,” added Bobkiewicz. “We don’t want to pay more fines for anything,” such as the fines handed over by the city for polluting wastewater discharges. “Staff’s number one concern is not paying any fines,” and ensuring the city finds partners that “will make that happen.”Interim Public Works Director Jon Turner gave an update on the issue, including the future adoption of a state mandated local implementation plan for the city targeted for a June launch. Both commercial haulers, EJ Harrison & Sons and Consolidated Disposal Services, are working to obtain third-party compliance and to improve recycling programs to boost percentages.The Council could retain the services of the companies, find a new commercial hauler, or fold the commercial operation into the city’s residential trash service. Turner noted the city sent out 21 letters of interest to area haulers, and responses are being received.As with changing service providers, expanding the city’s system to include commercial pickup would take a one-year transition. “Keep in mind, if we pursue this we would have a formal rate study and Prop. 218” public vote would be required. Turner said assumptions are made the city would have to purchase additional equipment and increase staff, although present personnel would cover many of the new duties, and, “more importantly, look at” acquiring larger bins.
