Wheatfield Town Board receives update on new garbage disposal contract

by Ralph Schwarz
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, Dec. 9, 2004

The Wheatfield Town Board received an update on the ongoing negotiations for its new refuse and recycle contract during last Monday’s workshop meeting.

Town Supervisor Timothy Demler and Town Attorney Robert O’Toole informed the Board members that the town has received bids from three prospective contractors -- Modern Disposal, Upstate Disposal and BFI Waste Management System, the town’s current waste disposal contractor. The contract with BFI expires Dec. 31.

“The bid were all fairly close together,” O’Toole said. “At this point, they are all proposals and not firm bids, so we have the further ability to negotiate with the respective bidders.”

According to Demler, the three companies submitted bids ranging from $723,000 to $740,000. In 2003, the town spent $590,000 for the curbside collection of solid and bulky wastes, trash and recyclables, the supervisor noted.

“We expect an increase between $110,000 and $135,000 for 2005,” he said, adding that the town reduced its sewer tax to compensate for a $30 (per household) increase in refuse disposal fees. “But since the sewer tax went down by $35, Wheatfield residents will still save money.”

New Contract For 2005

The garbage and refuse contract time will cover a period of three years, starting Jan. 1, 2005, with options for two two-year renewals. The town will have the option on the first renewal, while both parties will have a mutual option on the final renewal.

Under the contract, the contractor will conduct a weekly curbside collection of garbage, refuse and recyclables from all eligible one-, two- or three-family homes within the town boundaries and provide for the proper disposal of all collected solid wastes at its facilities. In 2005, the contractor will collect garbage from 5,403 housing units, while picking up recyclables from approximately 5,700 units.

The Town Board will meet with representatives from all three bidders on Monday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. for final negotiations. A decision on who will provide waste disposal services to the town is expected to be made in a special Town Board meeting later that evening.

“The numbers did come in where we estimated them to be around (our budget estimates), so we need to go into the final details and see who offers the best contract for the town,” Demler said. “We fully expect to make a decision that night.”

State Audit Report

The Town Board received a letter from the office of the New York state comptroller with the result of the recent state audit of the town’s financial records.

“They wrote they can’t find nothing wrong with it,” said Town Clerk DeEtte Ferchen.

“I think it’s the first time in our town’s history we got an audit report from the state so good,” Demler said. “We’re pleased with this report. It indicates that the town is in good shape.”

Other Business

In other business, the Town Board unanimously voted:

•To not object the utilization of approved trails by snowmobiles within the town of Wheatfield.

•To approve the tax-exemption agreement with Rivercrest Senior Housing Ltd. and 7210 Housing Development Fund Corporation as submitted.

•To approve the amendment to the Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees of the Town of Wheatfield, effective Dec. 6, by adopting the amended and restated model plan, effective May 21, as submitted.

•To approve the agreement with Diversified Financial Service for the purchase of a wood shredder for the Highway Department.

•To approve a positive declaration with respect to the potential environmental impact of the Hillcrest subdivision and to authorize the town engineer and the Building Department to file the paperwork for an environmental impact study.

•To approve the addition of Stanley Swoiger III to the active list of St. Johnsburg Fire Company.

•To approve the purchase of a new pick-up truck for the Highway Department.

•To pay bills as presented, with the exception of one voucher pending on further investigation.

Announcements

The town of Wheatfield will host its annual Christmas Dance on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Wheatfield Community/ Senior Center.