By Leigh Ann Rutledge
FPS Reporter
November 10, 2009
The Carrollton refuse contract is still up in the air.
Scot Walter of J&J Refuse expressed confusion as he addressed council members Monday night. Walter told council, in 22 years of contract work, he has never had so much trouble when his company has been the only bidder. “It has been a learning experience,” he stated. “I was informed today of the village’s decision to reject our Sept. 15, 2009, bid and learned they will not be revisiting it.”
Walter is mystified due to the fact J&J has not had an opportunity to discuss the contract with the village. “Discussion is being kept secret. We don’t understand why the village won’t talk to us,” he explained. “We feel with the long term relationship we have established with the village and our good service through the years, it warrants talking.”
Walter admitted the original bid “would cause sticker shock” but explained after 10 years of service and using the “pay as you throw” program, they needed to raise prices and the bid was very competitive.
According to Walter, after two months of silence, the village asked for a one-year extension. Walter voiced concerns, wondering is an extension legal? Will our price be available for our competitors to see? Or will the one-year contract be shopped around?
For all the confusion and unanswered questions, Walter reiterated the Sept. 15, 2009, bid was compliant and the village made an error by rejecting it noting the base bid was not considered nor was the alternate pricing.
“I hope you will consider sitting down with us since we are the only compliant bidder. I am just confused as to why we can’t sit down and talk,” he said.
Village Administrator Robert Fowler told the FPS the village is evaluating its options and will send the options to J&J. He explained he does not know when this will be resolved but said the village asked J&J two months ago about a one-year extension and they have yet to honor that request. At the present time, the FPS has not received word of a meeting between the two parties.
In an unrelated matter, after a 35-minute executive session for potential purchase of personal property, Finance Committee Chairperson Mary Ann Miller explained the decision was made to purchase a 1995 Freightliner American Fire Rescue Vehicle for $125,000. Carrollton Village Fire Chief Tom Mesler was invited to the session to discuss the truck, which is located in Maryland. Miller explained the truck comes loaded with a lot of equipment including two sets of jaws of life rescue tools. A motion passed to purchase the truck or one similar up to $125,000. Councilman John Yeager abstained from the vote.
An ordinance was approved for Village Administrator Robert Fowler to apply to the Center for Local Government Ohio Capital Asset Financing Program for the funds to purchase the truck. Yeager also abstained from this vote.
In other business, council:
-HEARD Mayor Dave Flanary congratulate new elected council members. Flanary told them he looks forward to working with them and returning members.
-THANKED Carrollton Schools for holding the annual Halloween party. “I would like to thank the school, Mr. Jason Eddy, members of the National Honor Society and Caring Sharing Helping (CHS) club. It was a very nice party. We greatly appreciate what you did,” exclaimed Flanary.
-LEARNED approximately 300 water meters have been installed with no problems to date.
-APPROVED a $1,200 change order for the second water tank. These extra funds are for clearing trees at the top of the hill. Fowler said they were not included in the original bid because the village did not have the adjoining property owners’ permission.
-HEARD the north reservoir water tank construction is complete. The tank is full of water and will hopefully be open by the end of the week.
-GRANTED permission to close the alley for the entire day beside Long’s Equipment between 2nd and 3rd Streets, SE, for the annual Coley’s Reunion Nov. 27.
-WAS told the next trail meeting is set for Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. in council chambers.
-APPROVED a request from Carrollton Ruritans to close 3rd St. NE, for the annual Christmas parade Nov. 28. The parade lineup will begin at noon and the parade at 1 p.m.
-LEARNED the village received a confirmation letter from Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association stating the village received $250,000 for the wastewater treatment plant.
-HEARD from Councilman Bob Dunlap regarding scheduling water meter installation. Dunlap was told they pull the worksheet for the following day and they run a day behind in their scheduling. If you sign up on Friday for the following Monday, they would schedule for the week after. However, if you need a specific date, there is a comment box where you can list the date you request and the company will contact you.
-SCHEDULED a water and sewer committee meeting for Nov. 23 at 6 p.m.
-APPROVED payment of bills totaling $22,634.27 for vendors and $31,102.41 for payroll.
-SET the next council meeting for Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. in council chambers |
