Title
Resolution Authorizing an Exclusive Franchise for Solid Waste Services to Commercial Property (B)
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Gainesville, Florida, electing to authorize one or more exclusive franchises for the provision of solid waste services to commercial property or to provide such services itself or through another local government, to take effect on or about October 10, 2009; providing an effective date.
Explanation
The City of Gainesville established a long-standing relationship on solid waste management with Alachua County in the early 1980s when the City started taking solid waste to the County's landfill. In December of 1998, the County opened the Leveda Brown Environmental Park and Transfer Station and entered into a contract with the New River Solid Waste Authority 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 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 of the waste in the County.
In an attempt to secure the delivery of all commercial waste generated in the City to the County transfer station, the City Commission approved 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. 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's transfer station.
One approach to further guarantee the delivery of commercial waste streams from City businesses to the County Transfer Station is to implement exclusive franchised solid waste services for commercial property. Franchising services to commercial property would also enhance our next bid for residential curbside 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. The local government must send 45 days notice of the hearing by first class mail to each company. After the public hearing, the City Commission can adopt the Resolution. Adopting the Resolution provides the solid waste haulers with an additional notice of the City's intent to franchise commercial solid waste collection. This would also coincide with the bidding of the residential curbside collection service. Initiating this process does not require the City to implement franchised commercial collection; however, it starts the 3-year notice period. Continuing this process supports a partnership approach to Solid Waste Management with Alachua County.
Recommendation
The City Commission adopt the proposed Resolution.
Alternative Recommendation: The City Commission not adopt the proposed Resolution.