Mundane as garbage is, it generated two hours of lively debate at the December 15 City Commission meeting Consideration of extending WastePro`s proposed contract for five years elicited spirited comment from many citizens. The proposal included eight options. Once-a-week versus twice-a-week collection, curbside recycling, yard waste composting and optional size containers in various combinations made up the options. In all cases the bottom line is a $2.50 per month increase asked for by WastePro. At issue was acquiescence to the increases or putting the garbage collection contract out for bids. Following his presentation of the options, City Attorney David Coffey heard the views of the City Commissioners on specific options. Commissioner Heath Davis judged once-a-week collection coupled with curbside recycling as best. Commissioners Pat O`Neal and Scott Dennison offered qualified support for Davis` choice as well. Commissioner Gene Hodges asked many questions, and repeatedly requested alternative proposals from waste haulers other than WastePro. Generally, there was no dissatisfaction expressed about current level of service. Many in the audience reacted favorably to Commissioner Hodges` demands to hear alternative proposals from potential contractors. City Attorney Coffey pointed out that there is no legal requirement to go out for bids. WastePro`s contract expires in May 2010. A bidding process would best be started in January. Tom Deverin, Chair of the quasi-official Energy Advisory Panel, opened public comment with criticism of WastePro for "sandbagging" on the pay-to-toss option. Deverin cited E.P.A. studies of seven thousand communities that have used that option to reduce solid waste volume and disposal costs. He briefly referred to a local survey of 245 citizens, 81 percent of whom favor once-a-week garbage collection. Jenny Pinto then spoke, asking why bids were not being solicited, and gave a ringing endorsement of recycling. Betty Rose Cooke, citing 35 years of experience in the garbage collection industry, seconded Ms Pinto`s request to put the garbage contract up for bids. Ken Edmunds testified that recycling dramatically reduces garbage volume. Bev Ringenberg gave a clear summary of the survey conducted by the Energy Advisory Panel. Beyond the 83 percent of respondents that already recycle; she said that 75 percent favor curbside recycling. Cedar Key has reduced garbage volume by 7 percent recently, with a potential reduction of 30 percent. (Volume reduction results in reduced tonnage charges at the Levy County Dump.) Dale Register, a semi-retired businessman, spoke passionately in favor of competitive bidding, saying that it can give savings to the City and the citizens. Janet Blackwell and Ann Miller spoke of recycling requests from guests at the condos where they work. They also mentioned that the "green" classification of condos pleases visitors. Representatives of three potential WastePro competitors were in the audience, aware of the situation should the Commission decide to hear alternative proposals or open the process to bids. Commissioner Hodges reiterated his request for alternative proposals or open bidding. Commissioner Dennison cautioned that the savings would be in the range of $0.25 to $0.35 per month. In the end, the Commission voted 4 to 1 to ask WastePro to submit another proposal that includes bulk pickup of large items once a month coupled with once-a-week collection, curbside recycling and excluding pickup of yard waste. Commissioner Hodges cast the lone negative vote. | 
