Holts Summit signs 5-year contract for trash service

HOLTS SUMMIT, Mo. - After about a year and a half of seeking input and discussion, the City of Holts Summit signed an agreement with Republic Services, previously Allied Waste, for residential trash service last week. The city began working with Republic Services on a contract for trash service in an effort to solve a littering and illegal dumping problem in the city.

The city's board of aldermen looked at four possible options for trash service in the city, some of which required trash service and some that did not. After receiving public input on the proposed plans and discussing options with the trash service company for more than a year, the board chose a contract which does not require all residents to have trash service.

City Administrator Brian Crane described the new contract as a "good first step."

"We looked at doing what we thought was the best long-term goal and the board decided to take an incremental step," "We heard input and listened and initiated a new program based on that input. I think it will give us time, this five-year period will give the city time to evaluate the approach it took and see if it was adequate."

The five-year contract with Republic Services for residential trash pickup details the following:

•Republic Services handles billing;

•Trash service in the city is voluntary;

•For those who have trash service, a 95 gallon cart provided by Republic Services is mandatory;

•Rates will remain the same for customers who already had a 95 gallon cart but will have a 3 percent annual increase;

•There will be no fuel surcharge fee, which Crane said should stabilize trash service rates; and

•There will be an optional recycling program which would cost $3.25 per home if 600 customers participate.

Crane said there are about 80-85 residents who currently use Republic Services but use their own cart. Those residents will see a slight increase to cover the cost of the mandatory 95 gallon cart.

"I think it was a positive move and we appreciate everybody's input and involvement in the process," Crane said.

In other news, the city has begun work on its lower ball field at Greenway Park. Kevin Rackers Excavating had the lowest bid and is working on the project, which is expected to take about a month. And the city awarded the bid for its tire mulch project. The city uses recycled tire mulch at its playgrounds.

Crane said the city will further readings for a slew of other contracts and vehicle purchases at its work session Monday. The city recently reorganized its police department and created a part-time animal control position. The city found a used animal control vehicle that it is seeking board permission to purchase. Crane said he is hoping to have the position filled in early May.

"All of the support staff and the support mechanisms are in place, we are just trying to hire someone as soon as possible," Crane said.

He added that the spring and summer are when the city receives a lot of animal enforcement calls.