With a unanimous vote Tuesday night, Vacaville moves forward with plans to find the company that can best provide waste collection and disposal services to the city.
The 4-0 approval green-lighted the method for evaluating bidders. Councilwoman Dilenna Harris recused herself from the discussion, citing possible conflicts connected to the organization she works for.
It was a tough decision, the council affirmed, as well as an unpopular one, judging by the ire unleashed by community members who stepped up to speak.
At issue is the contract with Recology Vacaville Solano, which employs numerous Vacaville residents and has served the city since 1990. That contract expires in 2013 and city leaders say that, despite the excellent service Recology provides, it may be time for change.
“I think that we are just testing the waters,” explained Councilman Curtis Hunt. “We haven’t tested the waters in 23 years. We haven’t looked around. I think it’s important to have a more comprehensive look at a decision we made 23 years ago.”
The current state of the economy calls for at least a look, Mayor Steve Hardy advised.
“The financial pressure we are under right now because of redevelopment money being taken away is unbearable,” he told the angry audience.
“It is just a tool,” added Rod Moresco, the city’s public works director, of the evaluation method. “This is not a low-bid procurement.”
Leaders emphasized that they just want the best for Vacaville.
Councilmember Mitch Mashburn called for a requirement that would spell out the need to retain Recology employees regardless of who is chosen with a clear penalty if they don’t.
“Give it some teeth,” he ordered.
Vice Mayor Ron Rowlett agreed, adding that he wanted a standard living wage indicated in the documents, as well as benefits, if possible.
The winning company, he explained, should not “profit off these people’s backs. … If there’s something we can do, I’d like to see it done.”
Longtime resident Bernice Kalen called the proposed document wording “bureaucratic gobbledygook” and warned the council that “cheap is not necessarily better.”
Fellow resident Millie Rositano praised Recology staff for going above and beyond in keeping the city clean.
“Will outsiders feel the same and care as much as these people do?” she asked.
Hunt expressed concern with dictating wages and benefits to private companies.
“I think we’re treading into some pretty interesting waters,” he cautioned.
City attorney Jerry Hobrecht advised against getting that deeply involved, as ample city resources would have to be expended to ensure the action is carried out.
“I don’t know if we can deliver, if we truly have the resources to enforce,” he said.
Follow Staff Writer Kimberly K. Fu at Twitter.com/ ReporterKimFu.