06-26-2023 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 4 Council Member Gunn asked for the cities that have organized pickup, what are some of the services the residents wanted. Mr. Wiggins explained his two cities, Champlin and Ham Lake, have had organized collection since people have lived in the community. He noted he does not get complaints other than when the city forced Ace to collect payment. Jamie Pierce, General Manager for Republic Services, arrived at the meeting and introduced herself to the City Council. She noted she was not against organized collection noting she had a lot of contracts. She indicated the problem with consortiums was that all of the haulers were competitors. Council Member Gunn asked that the attorney speak to the difference between organized collection and a consortium. Assistant City Attorney Tierney stated they were somewhat the same thing. She noted organized collection is when the City hires a single hauler and the City controls the hauling. She reported a consortium would mean the haulers form an organization and they provide services to the City. She indicated after a contract is signed, the City would allow the haulers to divide the City on how it could best be served based on their current market share. Council Member Lindstrom stated he understood some of the haulers do not approve of organized trash collection. He asked if the haulers did see any benefits from the contracts they had in place. Ms. Pierce reported there was more efficiency, but contracts did not allow companies to grow. Mr. Delaforest commented on how a contract was only in place for seven years and there was no compensation after that time. He stated there was a tremendous amount of risk involved in contracts when it comes to equipment and employees. Acting Mayor Meehlhause thanked Mr. Delaforest for this comment and noted he was uncertain where the City would be in seven years with respect to trash hauling. He explained the City was collecting data from residents through a community survey. He encouraged residents to complete a survey if they have not done so already. He reported the Council would be discussing trash collection further at the July 5 work session meeting. Mr. Delaforest encouraged the City to contact Golden Valley to discuss how they altered their trash hauler licenses. Ms. Parkos commented on how a consortium would not work for her company. She hoped the Council would opt to maintain an open market for trash collection in Mounds View. Acting Mayor Meehlhause thanked the trash haulers for their attendance at this meeting. Acting Mayor Meehlhause recessed the City Council meeting at 6:47 p.m.