The Fullerton City Council did not select a final solid-waste hauler at its September 15 meeting. Instead, council members voted 3–2 to continue negotiations with CR&R Environmental Services and Republic Services and bring the matter back to the council for a final contract decision. Councilmembers Shana Charles, Ahmad Zahra and Nick Dunlap voted yes. Mayor Fred Jung and Councilmember Jamie Valencia voted no.

The council was considering three finalists for the city’s solid-waste management services contract: CR&R Environmental Services, Republic Services and Valley Vista Services.

City staff said the companies had an opportunity to revise their proposals after the council’s June 30 discussion and subsequent community meetings. The proposals addressed such issues as bulky-item collection, abandoned trash, compliance with California’s organic-waste requirements under SB 1383, equipment, public education and residential billing.

During the discussion, council members questioned differences among the companies’ proposed rates, how the companies would treat multifamily properties, city franchise and other fees, and the transition process.

One issue involved multifamily housing. Under the proposed structure, properties with four units or fewer would generally be treated as residential, while properties with five or more units would generally be treated as commercial. Staff said CR&R was the only finalist that had offered to work with the city on a separate multifamily rate rather than treating those properties strictly as commercial accounts. The specific rate would have to be negotiated.

Council members also discussed Rancho La Paz and how the community would be classified for billing purposes. Staff said additional research was needed.

Another issue was the city’s fees. Council members asked whether the contract fees could be reduced and whether that could lower rates paid by residents. Staff said the city spent about a year reviewing other solid-waste contracts and found that a 10% franchise fee was common, along with additional fees for state compliance and municipal programs.

The council also discussed the city’s existing disabled-resident walkout service. Staff said the service, which allows eligible residents to have their trash containers moved to and from the collection point, would continue under a new agreement.

Public testimony was divided among the three finalists. Speakers cited rates, continuity of service, union employment, local operations, environmental programs and other considerations. Some speakers also raised questions about political contributions involving Valley Vista. Individual speakers made those statements during public comment, and the council did not adopt them as findings.

As the discussion continued, a motion was made to move forward with Republic and CR&R rather than make a final selection that night. Councilmember Zahra proposed proceeding with the two companies for another round of negotiations. The amendment was accepted.

The roll call was:

• Shana Charles — Yes
• Jamie Valencia — No
• Ahmad Zahra — Yes
• Nick Dunlap — Yes
• Fred Jung — No

The motion therefore passed 3–2.

This item is expected to return to the council after negotiations for a final decision. City staff and the city’s solid-waste attorney discussed the compressed schedule and the possibility that additional time could be required before a contract is ready for approval.