The Ellis County Press: City to gain more than $65,000,000; Waste Management contract amended

City to gain more than $65,000,000; Waste Management contract amended
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Megan Gray on 03/24/2011 13:11:00


FERRIS - City council approved to amend the contract with Skyline Waste
Management on Monday, March 21 with a 3-1 vote.
Councilman Billy Don Dunn recused himself from the vote.
The contract amendment, which hasn’t been changed since its first contractual
agreement in 1992, will provide the city with an additional $8.2 million over
the next 30 years and an another $32.5 million over the extended life agreement
in addition to the $32.9 million the city is already planning on bringing in
over 30 years.
“This will bring in a total of $65,520,000,” said City Manager Eric Strong.
Councilman Gary Ross voted against the amendment.
“I just don’t feel I have enough information to vote right now,” said
Ross.
“Part of it’s my fault, I didn’t read up on this information.”
Waste Management’s Rick Losa gave a 20 minute presentation on the changes they
are wanting to implement with the city. Himself and staff were present for
questioning.
Along with bringing the city additional revenue, the company is requesting to be
operational 24 hours a day.
“We are a very competitive business and in order gain more commercial work we
need to be available during non-operational hours for pick-up,” said Losa.
A Wood Street resident was not opposed but had a concern about the 24 hour
operation.
A traffic study will be conducted and made public on the impact the longer hours
will have for the city.
According to Waste Management Engineer Walter C. Hunt, the new landfill
expansion of four acres will cause their current manmade pond to be filled in.
“I will be working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to
replace the current wetlands and relocation of the pond for storm drainage,”
said Hunt.
The new pond, according to Hunt, should be located north of the landfill and
near 10 Mile Creek.