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File #: 060223.    Version: 0 Name: Request to Notify Solid Waste Haulers of Intent to Franchise Commercial Solid Waste Collection (B)
Type: Discussion Item Status: Passed
File created: 8/14/2006 In control: City Manager
On agenda: Final action: 8/14/2006
Title: Request to Notify Solid Waste Haulers of Intent to Issue Exclusive Franchise Rights for Commercial and Residential Solid Waste Collection (B) This item involves a request by the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department to notify solid waste haulers of intent to issue exclusive franchise rights for commercial and residential solid waste collection.
Attachments: 1. 060223_200608141300.PDF
Title
Request to Notify Solid Waste Haulers of Intent to Issue Exclusive Franchise Rights for Commercial and Residential Solid Waste Collection (B)  
 
This item involves a request by the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department to notify solid waste haulers of intent to issue exclusive franchise rights for commercial and residential solid waste collection.
 
Explanation
The City of Gainesville has a long-standing relationship with Alachua County since the early 1980s when the City started taking solid waste to the County's landfill.  In December of 1998, the County opened up the Leveda Brown Environmental Park and Transfer Station and entered into a contract with the New River Landfill for final disposal of municipal solid waste.  The City also entered into an interlocal agreement with the County to direct all residential solid waste to the County's Transfer Station.
 
In 2004, the County was faced with a budget shortfall due to a shortage of tonnage coming into the transfer station.  The shortage was tied directly to the commercial waste stream not being delivered to the transfer station.  The financial stability of the transfer station is dependent upon receiving all the waste in the County.
 
In an attempt to secure all commercial waste generated in the City, a revised interlocal agreement between the City and the County allowing commercial haulers to pay a lower disposal rate than the rate the City was paying was approved by the City Commission.  In order for the local haulers to receive this lower disposal rate, they were required to sign an agreement that guaranteed all commercially collected refuse in the County would be delivered to the County Transfer Station.  Although these steps have been taken, other measures are being reviewed to further secure the solid waste stream for the County Transfer Station.  
 
One approach to further guarantee the commercial waste streams from City businesses will be delivered to the County Transfer Station is to implement exclusive franchised commercial collection.  Franchising commercial collection would also enhance our next bid for residential refuse collection by increasing the appeal of our contract to potential bidders.
 
Section 403.70605, Florida Statutes, provides that a local government may not displace a private company that provides garbage, trash or refuse collection service without holding a public hearing, with 45 days notice of the hearing by first class mail to each company.  After the public hearing, the local government must give three years' notice before beginning the service that displaces the private companies advertising the intent to franchise commercial and residential solid waste collection now would coincide with the bidding of the new curbside collection contract.  Initiating this process does not require the City to implement franchised commercial and residential collection; however, it does start the three year notice.  Continuing this process would be a positive gesture in fostering a supportive working relationship with the County Solid Waste Division.
 
Fiscal Note
Securing the entire solid waste stream for disposal at the County Transfer Station would aid in controlling the disposal cost for the City's solid waste system.
 
Recommendation
Recommended Motion:  The City Commission:  1) authorize the publication of the notice of intent and the public hearing to consider whether to authorize one or more exclusive franchises for the provision of solid waste services to commercial properties within the City.
 
Alternative Recommendation A:  The City Commission deny the request to notice the intent to issue exclusive franchise rights for commercial and residential solid waste collection which would keep current disposal cost controls in place.
 
 



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