The RM of De Salaberry has received mixed reactions on their decision to award the new garbage collections contract to a company from outside the municipality.
Last month, the municipality awarded a three year garbage collection contract to Valley Disposal who was the lowest of three companies that placed a bid on the contract. The acceptance of the bid meant that residents would pay less for community garbage collection.
According to council, the difference for the St. Malo contract alone came to approximately $7,500 per year, or $22,500, an increase of 19% for the three year contract. The difference becomes greater (over $27,000) taking the Otterburne Scavenging Services tender into consideration.
However, at a public hearing on December 4, that decision received mixed reactions from ratepayers. Twenty people attended the meeting and the municipality received several letters that pertained to the service plan for the St. Malo and area scavenging services.
Many people spoke favorably about the reduced rates for garbage pickup. Minor concerns were raised about the proposed pickup schedule and the size of the dumpster placed at the community’s senior facility, but the hot issues discussed were the amounts to be paid by seasonal cottagers, and the necessity to hire a contractor from outside the municipality despite the cost savings.
Marcel Jodoin, of Smith Neufeld Jodoin, attended as solicitor representing Victor Cure from GNR Garbage. Cure, a local contractor opposed the decision to hire Valley Disposal Ltd, who was the lowest tender for the garbage pickup services, in favor of GNR Garbage. He presented council with a stack of signed papers from ratepayers and non-ratepayers of St. Malo who requested that council support a local business rather than the contractor with the lowest price.
There were a number of requests to council for reconsideration.
As a new resident of De Salaberry, George Pageot applauded council on the tendering process and the manner the contract was awarded. However, as a spokesperson for the seasonal cottage owners he questioned the method that seasonal cottagers were assessed fees.
He feels a seasonal cottager should not pay more than 50% of a full-time resident since they usually only utilize their cottages 6 months out of the year. He recommends that the municipality should introduce a City of Winnipeg style of tag system to regulate the amount of garbage bags.
The RM of De Salaberry closed the hearing without making any decisions. A response is expected within the next month.
