Waste pickup contract up for bid

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 14, 2001

PINELLAS PARK -- Council members admitted that they are taking a chance, but on Tuesday they decided against renewing the city's garbage collection contract and instead will ask for bids from competing companies.

"I want to make sure our citizens are getting the best deal, and if that means going outside for bid, that's okay," said Council Member Pat Bailey.

Mayor Bill Mischler defended the service provided by Waste Management Inc. and reminded his colleagues that the city will be required to re-bid the contract in another two years.

"It's like playing Russian roulette," he said. "I have a fear. The rates could go lower, but what if it goes higher? How do I explain that to the people?"

Waste Management picks up the city's trash under a contract signed six years ago. The company is asking the city to exercise the contract's renewal provision that would hold rates unchanged for another two years.

Residents currently pay $9.93 each month for both garbage and recycling collection. According to a survey compiled by city staff, the city has the lowest rate of any municipality in the county and "the best deal in the county."

"I can totally assure you that our price will be higher than last time around," warned Michael Laverty, Waste Management's district manager, as he urged the city not to seek bids. "We've been a contributor to the community, and we feel our service has proven valuable to the city."

He reminded council that his company is based in Pinellas Park, currently holds 12 municipal garbage waste collection contracts and employs many Pinellas Park residents.

But representatives of rival companies urged the council to give them a chance to bid on the city contract.

"You are the jewel, the most sought after contract," said a representative of Liberty Waste & Recycling, noting the city's residential density and its proximity to the county's waste disposal facility.

"There are many companies interested in this or they wouldn't be here," said Council member Rick Butler.

Council member Chuck Williams suggested that the rival companies were there "because they think they can make a better deal."

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