City Council Meetings

Watertown City Council Regular Meeting Mayor Michael Walters Adam Pawelk Fred McGuire Dan Schuette Kay Thul 2/28/2024 - Minutes 1. Call To Order And Roll Call Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the Watertown City Council was called to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 8:02 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, by Mayor Mike Walters. Councilmembers present: Mike Walters, Adam Pawelk, Fred McGuire, and Kay Thul. Councilmembers absent: Dan Schuette City Staff present: City Administrator Jake Foster, Administrative Service Director Michael Sommerfeld, and Public Services Superintendent Mike Dressel 2. Adopt Agenda COUNCILMEMBER PAWELK MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COUNCILMEMBER MCGUIRE SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3. Consent Agenda Discussion And Approval 4. Open Forum 5. New/Old Business 5.A. 5A - 2024 Republic Services Contract Renewal City Administrator, Jake Foster introduced to agenda item stating the current contract for waste and recycling hauler services is set to expire at the end of the month. Mr. Foster added that he has been soliciting quotes and following up with providers since December. He reached out to Waste Management, Suburban Waste Services, Curbside Waste, Ace Solid Waste, Mumford Sanitation, and West Central with no other provider providing a bid except for the current contract holder, Republic Services. Foster stated that the lack of response is likely due to the very high capital equipment and staffing costs, in addition to the difficulty finding staff. He added that the current contract and Republic's  recycling hauler services is set to expire at the end of the month. Mr. Foster added that he has been soliciting quotes and following up with providers since December. He reached out to Waste Management, Suburban Waste Services, Curbside Waste, Ace Solid Waste, Mumford Sanitation, and West Central with no other provider providing a bid except for the current contract holder, Republic Services. Foster stated that the lack of response is likely due to the very high capital equipment and staffing costs, in addition to the difficulty finding staff. He added that the current contract and Republic's renewal offering include weekly recycling pick-up, and significant in-kind contributions to the City's annual clean-up day and events (including Rails to Trails) are also services atypical of what vendors are likely to provide. Mayor Walters outlined concerns with past customer service issues and the proposed price increases. He added that he was very disappointed that no other provider provided bids. Council Member Thul expressed concerns with opening up the City to additional providers noting the significant impact it would have on the conditions of City streets. Walters added this would also present additional safety and noise concerns. Public Services Superintended Mike Dressel emphasized Thul's point about deteriorating streets with additional providers. He also stated that the prices for haulers in his hometown of Waconia are significantly higher despite having additional providers from which to choose. Councilmember Pawelk added that the proximity to Republic (Delano) and existing relationships are also positives to consider. Council Member McGuire stated that Republic is the only option before them given that no other providers submitted proposals. Mayor Walters stated he would like the record to show that they are disappointed in the price increases, but nearby cities are paying more for these services and not enjoying the weekly recycling pick-up, or free yard waste pick-up. COUNCILMEMBER MCGUIRE MOVED TO APPROVE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE WASTE AND RECYCLING HAULER CONTRACT WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES AND SUBSEQUENT RENEWAL. COUNCILMEMBER PAWELK SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 6. Other Reports 7. Claims 8. Adjournment PAWELK MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:28. THUL SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 309 Lewis Avenue South; P.O. Box 279, Watertown, MN 55388 ________________________________________________________ Michael Walters, Mayor ATTEST:__________________________________________________ Jake Foster, City Administrator ATTEST:__________________________________________________ Jake Foster, City Administrator