01/11/1978 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. A representative of Garbagio, a private hauler, said that, although he would support an increase in rates, it is possible for them to run their operation at the present prices. He does feel that people will start to separate their material more effectively. He said that if rates are regulated responsibility also should be regulated. Manager noted there is an extensive County study going on which may well take a year and which may have an effect on what system the City would consider. Any further study, then, could wait until the conclusion of the County study. Mr.' Bradley wondered about the expense of any studies. Finance Director said there is a lack of information on how to generate a means of gathe'ring the information necessary to do an in-depth analysis. The cost, he felt, could run as high as $10,000-$12,000. Mr. Bradley felt the need to know more raw facts in order to make a decision on any rate increase. He could support a rate increase only if, simultaneous to approving such an increase, staff would begin to gather raw data so that 18 months from now a requested rate increase could be evauated. Mr. Williams said he would support any effort to get a long-term handle on the whole matter. Beyond that, he felt that anyone who holds an increase to seven percent on an annual basis has done very well. e Mr. Haws said there is not enough information yet on which to base a decision. He objects to regulating the rates, he objects to franchises, and he objects to any increase. Mr. Keller thought it appeared that some time in the near future staff could do some work to devise an ade- quate reporting system that would be uniform. Mr. Lieuallen did not feel a seven percent increase told the Council anything because Council does not know where the garbage haulers started from. Finance Director noted the last request approved was in July 1976, and, before that, August 1974. He said staff feels the rate increases are completely in line. Manager noted additionally that, where there were formerly 31 garbage haulers, there are now 15 or so. He feels that indicates that the competition is a little tough and that the charges being made to customers are not exorbitant. Mr. Delay feels that looking at a franchise system is potentially fairly scarey. He would not want to stifle competition. He feels a task force could look at that question adequately. Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Bradley to accept the rate increase as proposed by the garbage haulers and Garbage Board of 10.35 percent to become effective March 1, 1978. Mr. Haws spoke favorably about the possibility of deregulation. Mr. Williams asked Manager to respond to that comment, and Manager res- ponded that the. Finance Department has felt perhaps that is the way to go in the future. He said he would prefer not to answer in depth at this point on the issue of deregulation, however. He said he does feel more possitively about franchising. - 1/11/78--3 2.2..