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Mounds View City Council March 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 8 fairly. He commented on the profits that were generated by Republic, Waste Management and Ace in 2023. He understood Ace and Walters were circulating a letter to residents telling them the Council was trying to take away their rights. He indicated Ace and Walters was sending out anti- organized propaganda in the community which was not acting in good faith. Mayor Lindstrom believed Ace and Walters had zero desire to act in good faith which was why a better offer was not provided to the City. Furthermore, saying the Council doesn’t support residents right to choose was erroneous. He explained the Council has unanimously supported every part of the Charter initiative. He discussed how the City has published information in the Mounds View Matters in order to keep the public informed on this topic. To say the City feared the question and was restricting rights was an egregious misrepresentation of the truth. He believed haulers feared putting forth a competitive price would make residents see how badly haulers have been gouging them on price for years. He stated if haulers valued the relationships they have in the community so much, a competitive price should be provided to the City. Mayor Lindstrom explained the Council has stated since the beginning that they wanted to see this through to the end and that a price should be provided to allow for a broader conversation with constituents. He indicated the Council was ready to reject the proposed price because it was not good for Mounds View residents. He asked how the haulers have acted in good faith throughout these negotiations when not all parties were acting in good faith. He stated it was the City’s sincerest desire to have a clean and fair process for everyone. Mayor Lindstrom stated for the companies that aligned themselves with Haulers for Choice he hoped the value of this relationship was fully evaluated and that these haulers would consider if they truly acted in good faith with their municipal partners. That being said, he made it crystal clear that the City would like to seek a price from these haulers. He wanted to consider the best and final price from the haulers. He requested the Council table action on this item to terminate negotiations until 12:00 p.m. on March 25 to deliver a final and best offer. He indicated the offer presented to the City should be in line with other organized communities. He encouraged the haulers to look at the rates being offered to Blaine and St. Anthony. He hoped the haulers would bring back a good price for its residents, given the fact Mounds View has the lowest median income in the area. He stated it was the City Council’s responsibility to take care of its people. He asked the haulers to be thoughtful about the community and the final price they present. Mayor Lindstrom asked for comments from the public. There were none at this time. Council Member Gunn thanked the Mayor for his comments. Council Member Meehlhause thanked the Mayor for his comments as well MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Table Action on this item to Monday, March 25, 2024 City Council meeting requesting haulers to submit a revised proposal to the City with a final and best offer by Thursday, March 21, 2024. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion carried.