Hello: I want to be clear that my vote was to go for Option 1 , and this was not a vote to approve the change to SCRR. That was decided last meeting. It became clear that a delay in the decision would not be possible. If a delay were possible, it would not change the affect of the majority decision. I voted to approve option 1, even though I had evidence that option 2 may save businesses money over 5 years. The savings would only be negligible and maybe option one was more predictable and therefore manageable.
My scorecard would have looked very different. I remain worried for our businesses because their rate changes currently appear to be over 50% in many cases, some causing increases over $700 per month. The next steps are 1) to work with our business and our new provider to get the best pricing and 2) to hold SCRR to right sizing so that we do not overly burden our business who are already very over worked and stressed about cost increases.
As always, an excellent recap - great writing, too! I was one who wrote in to the council way back in the earlier phase of this debate, last year, when the public was asked for comment - I was and remain strongly in support of finding another trash hauler, as Recology has proven to be an incredible price gouger, just shocking compared to Redwood Empire who preceded them. I am so glad the council held out in favor of switchng to SCRR, and deeply regret the flack they have had to endure all in the name of doing the right thing for the our citizens. Regrettably, this surely is a time of "vitriolic" polarities in our nation and in our world.
@economist yes in fact I just got back from a walk down Main St. If you have any questions please feel free to call the Chamber @ 823.3032 or email @myriah@sebastopol.org
Additionally, it seems to be coming to light that the citizens have been paying a portion of the businesses' bills which is bothersome, to say the least. It is unconscionable that so many Sebastopol citizens, many on limited incomes, have been footing part of bills that are not theirs.
All of this bitter criticism could have been avoided if the businesses were organized and each one took a turn attending or zooming into the city council meetings. They would have realized that over a year ago Recology was going to raise the rates 57% and at that time Council member McLewis thought that was an outrage. An ad hoc committee was formed and found another company was cheaper. If you actually look at the results you will find the new hauler is 10% cheaper on almost all - but one - points.
I’d love to see a report from the Climate Action Committee on how much our carbon footprint will go up driving all of Sebastopol’s recyclables to a sorting center in Ukiah 66 miles away vs. under 10 miles away like Recology. For the next 15 plus years. If RCSS doesn’t take action. This is a huge step back.
Hello: I want to be clear that my vote was to go for Option 1 , and this was not a vote to approve the change to SCRR. That was decided last meeting. It became clear that a delay in the decision would not be possible. If a delay were possible, it would not change the affect of the majority decision. I voted to approve option 1, even though I had evidence that option 2 may save businesses money over 5 years. The savings would only be negligible and maybe option one was more predictable and therefore manageable.
My scorecard would have looked very different. I remain worried for our businesses because their rate changes currently appear to be over 50% in many cases, some causing increases over $700 per month. The next steps are 1) to work with our business and our new provider to get the best pricing and 2) to hold SCRR to right sizing so that we do not overly burden our business who are already very over worked and stressed about cost increases.
Just checked with Mary and you are correct. And I will be sending out a corrected version of this article.
Yes, please note that I did not change my mind so much as decide to move forward in a positive way to make this a win win as much as possible.
Thanks for the clarification, Phill.
As always, an excellent recap - great writing, too! I was one who wrote in to the council way back in the earlier phase of this debate, last year, when the public was asked for comment - I was and remain strongly in support of finding another trash hauler, as Recology has proven to be an incredible price gouger, just shocking compared to Redwood Empire who preceded them. I am so glad the council held out in favor of switchng to SCRR, and deeply regret the flack they have had to endure all in the name of doing the right thing for the our citizens. Regrettably, this surely is a time of "vitriolic" polarities in our nation and in our world.
The Chamber of Commerce is represented at every meeting. Do they interact with the businesses on issues of interest to them?
You should ask Myriah, but when I shared an office with her, she was out literally every day talking to local businesses.
@economist yes in fact I just got back from a walk down Main St. If you have any questions please feel free to call the Chamber @ 823.3032 or email @myriah@sebastopol.org
Additionally, it seems to be coming to light that the citizens have been paying a portion of the businesses' bills which is bothersome, to say the least. It is unconscionable that so many Sebastopol citizens, many on limited incomes, have been footing part of bills that are not theirs.
All of this bitter criticism could have been avoided if the businesses were organized and each one took a turn attending or zooming into the city council meetings. They would have realized that over a year ago Recology was going to raise the rates 57% and at that time Council member McLewis thought that was an outrage. An ad hoc committee was formed and found another company was cheaper. If you actually look at the results you will find the new hauler is 10% cheaper on almost all - but one - points.
I’d love to see a report from the Climate Action Committee on how much our carbon footprint will go up driving all of Sebastopol’s recyclables to a sorting center in Ukiah 66 miles away vs. under 10 miles away like Recology. For the next 15 plus years. If RCSS doesn’t take action. This is a huge step back.
*SCRR
SCRR was 10% less than Recology