Trash Service Dominates Agenda For Fernley City Council Special Session

In spite of the fact that the city's waste franchise agreement has been the topic of discussion and public input at numerous Fernley City Council meetings since last summer, the recent delivery of TrashPros waste containers to residences throughout Fernley has triggered a rash of citizen inquiries and phone calls to members of the council and the Mayor.
The city council will meet in special session Monday, December 22 at 6 p.m. to conduct a final public hearing on the adoption of an ordinance regulating the residential and commercial franchise, as well as wrap up other business prior to year end.
While the move to an "open" franchise agreement for commercial waste removal has met with a positive response from business owners, the transition to mandatory residential trash service has met with a mixed bag of response from residents. The compulsory trash removal requirement applies to any residence on less than two acres.
The city has been operating under an opt-in voluntary trash service agreement with Waste Management for the past 10 years. However, as the waste franchise agreement came up for renewal, the city council opted to put mandatory service in the various scenarios for the bidding process. As the bids came back in from various companies, it became evident that the mandatory residential service would yield the lowest monthly rate for residential customers.
"The decision for the council was how we could get the best deal for our community," said Ward 5 Councilman Cal Eilrich. "Mandatory pick up made a big difference in cost to residential customers--it was the best way we could go for our community as a whole."
The lower residential rates for mandatory service--less than $22 per month--are based on sheer numbers. Under the current voluntary scenario, approximately 4,300 households utilize trash service from Waste Management. Based on estimates from the new contractor, Trashpros, about 6,500 households will receive trash service.
TrashPros submitted the lowest bid for residential service, plus the company offered a deeper discount for seniors--25 percent versus 20 percent offered by Waste Management. Seniors who wish to take advantage of the discount need to sign up by contacting TrashPros at 575-0707.
Another concern expressed by a number of residents involves the rapidly rising unemployment rate and the fact that many are now struggling to make ends meet. Mayor Todd Cutler and members of the city council have indicated they are working with TrashPros to hammer out some form of assistance for those in need.
"I'm obviously concerned with so many people losing their jobs," Cutler said. "I will make a recommendation to the council to assist those who are truly struggling to pay their bills."
Also on the agenda for Monday evening's special session, the council will be considering requests from a half dozen residents who are seeking an exemption from the new mandatory pick up requirement.
The full agenda can be accessed here: http://www.cityoffernley.org/documents/Agendas%20&%20Minutes/City%20Council/2008/08-12-22%20%20FCC%20Agenda%20-%20Special%20Meeting.PDF