Baldwin Park City Council Passes New Garbage Contract that Could Increase Rates

The Baldwin Park City Council voted unanimously at its Wednesday meeting for a renegotiated garbage contract with the city's contractor, according to an email from City Manager Vijay Singhal

Since 1990, Baldwin Park has had an exclusive franchise contract with Waste Management of San Gabriel and Pomona Valley.  The new contract will last through 2023.  It will bring new direct cash benefits to the city but could also result in higher garbage rates for residents in the future.

The new contract will allow Waste Management to raise rates based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) annually as long as it held a public hearing.  The CPI, which is measured by the increase in price in consumer products, tends to increase by very small percentages each year.

If a majority of rate-payers objected to the increase the company would not be able to increase the rates.

By passing the contract, there will now be a public hearing process for five years worth of potential increases to be set by January 15, 2015.

New benefits to the city from the contract include:

• A $1 million pay-out for modifying the contract within 30 days of the agreement being completed.
• A new "Annual Benefit Fund" of $50,000 each year
• A scholarship fund for one or more high school graduate each year in the sum of $2,500
• Starting a three-month internship program for a Baldwin Park student to learn solid waste handling.
• Designation of a liaison to be responsible for ongoing community outreach to Baldwin Park residents.
• Removal of illegally-dumped objects in the public way on Ramona Boulevard, Baldwin Park Boulevard, Maine Avenue and Puente Avenue upon notification of a community member.
• Backyard or valet trash removal service for disabled or otherwise qualified residents.