Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
More than 400 in Kenneth City, affected by rising garbage fees, oppose the contract with Waste Management. But council members are defending it.
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
© St. Petersburg Times, published November 12, 2000
KENNETH CITY -- More than 400 residents petitioned the Town Council on Wednesday to reconsider the decision to renew the $1-million garbage collection contract, which raises rates for homes and businesses.
Council members reacted defensively, some saying they have no intention of changing their vote.
"There is more to this than price," said council member Ron Sneed. "It is an issue of safety and the stability of the company. I felt very comfortable making the vote I made and I don't intend to change my vote."
Council member Al Carrier, who made the original motion to approve the garbage collection contract, stressed that "Kenneth City has the second-lowest rate in the county."
"That doesn't matter," insisted Ted Wiesner, who presented the petition to the council.
"It was the right decision. Four council members went along with it," said Carrier.
"You'll be looking for a new job next election," Wiesner shot back.
Only Mayor Bill Smith opposed the three-year contract with Waste Management, which has been the city's garbage collector for five years. The new contract will raise residential rates by about 30 cents a month and business rates as much as 30 percent a month.
"The residents feel very strongly that it is bad business to enter into a million-dollar contract without getting competitive bids," said Wiesner, who organized the petition drive. "The members of the council should respect their citizens' desires. We urge you that this should be brought back up (for reconsideration)."
The petition "directed" the council to reconsider their garbage contract decision: "It is our wish that the contract be put out to a minimum of three qualified waste disposal companies for competitive bid."
The petition was signed by 431 residents -- well above the 10 percent (280) required for a valid petition by the city charter. But City Attorney Paul Marino said the petition did not address an ordinance, as required in the charter. He also told the council that they could reverse their vote at any time before the contract goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2001.