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Mounds View City Council January 8, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 4 haulers. He stated on October 12 the City began negotiations and has met with the current license haulers on seven different occasions. City Administrator Zikmund explained if the City was unable to come to an agreement with the current collectors, it was the City’s intent to issue an RFP for organized collection. Before this could occur, the City Council must establish an organized collections options committee to identify and examine various methods of collection and appoint members of the committee. This would ensure the process of organized collection moves forward per State Statute. Staff recommended the Council move forward with the creation of an organized collections options committee, which shall be made up of two Councilmembers and two or three staff members. It was noted a recommendation from this committee will be brought back to the City Council based on their research and findings no later than February 1, 2024. He commented on how negotiations and discussions with the haulers has been stalled even with staff asking them repeatedly what information they need from the City. He stated the priority at this time would be to create the options committee with the goal of having a contract from the haulers to the City for discussion at the February 5 Council worksession meeting. If a contract was not provided by the haulers, the options committee will have a final report and the ability to issue an RFP. City Attorney Riggs explained the City was beyond the 60 days that were required. He indicated the reality was the City has given the haulers ample time to work through the negotiations process. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the timeframe required by statute was for the haulers to come forward with a contractual offering. City Attorney Riggs reported this was the case. Mayor Lindstrom explained the City has received a few letters from the haulers. City Administrator Zikmund reported Walters, Ace and Curbside have sent letters to the Council and staff from their legal firms. He noted Republic and Waste Management have not. He stated he understood the negotiations were difficult, but this was a process that had to be followed per State Statute. Mayor Lindstrom questioned if the City could move forward with the committee. City Attorney Riggs reported the City has followed all proper procedure and was allowed to move forward with the process, noting the City had provided double the amount of time that was necessary for the haulers. Julie Clark, 8005 Woodlawn Drive, noted she misunderstood what was being approved this evening. She explained she was concerned with the fact the haulers were upset the City was not negotiating in good faith given the fact there was an outstanding ballot question that could undo all of the work the City was conducting at this time. She was of the opinion organized trash collection would help some residents, but would hurt others. She noted she would like to have the opportunity to choose her own trash hauler, but recommended the number of licensed haulers be reduced. City Administrator Zikmund explained the City had no involvement in the ballot question that was brought forward. He noted this was initiated by a group, Haulers for Choice. He reported the lack of getting a contract, does not allow the City to have the price. For this reason, the City would be