Future of yard waste in Jefferson City remains uncertain
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Jefferson City Council did not decide on a new contract regarding yard waste removal services in the city during Monday night's council meeting.
The city's current contract with All Seasons Landscaping will expire on Oct. 31.
During a September meeting, council members voted to seek a one-year contract extension for the same price. However, Ward 5 Councilman Mark Schwartz noted during Monday night's meeting that the offer was rejected.
City staff said they hope to have an update during the council's next meeting on Oct. 16.
During Monday night's meeting, council members went back and forth pitching potential solutions to the lingering issue. Ward 1 Councilman Jeff Ahlers suggested that the council accept the second bid from All Seasons Landscaping. His reasoning for this was that residents are already used to having the service paid for, and although it is more expensive, it would at least keep the service going.
He also suggested that the council look into allowing residents to burn their waste more frequently.
Ward 2 Councilman Aaron Mealy was not in support of that idea, noting that this could lead to the landfill becoming more polluted, a problem the city is already dealing with.
Councilman Schwartz said he's in favor of the council considering other proposals and charging people for the service. He also added that if increases in the services are going to continue, people need to be okay with it becoming a fee-based service.
If the second bid is accepted, it would cost about $40k more than its current agreement.
During one of the council's meetings last month, Ward 3 Councilwoman Erin Wiseman and Ward 5 councilmen Jon Hensley and Mark Schwartz voted not to extend the city's current contract. Wiseman said she believed there are more important things the money in the budget could be used toward.
Schwartz said he did not like the idea of a no bid contract.
Schwartz and Ward 3 Councilman Scott Spencer noted that they were confident a deal would be reached before the Oct. 31 deadline.
