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June 13, 1996
The high-profile deal could save Warren $9 million in the next five years. The existing $16-million contract with City Management runs out June 30. Most on the council say they will not vote to extend it.
Many council members openly resent that little time is left to scrutinize the proposals because a new contract is to be in effect July 1.
Four companies are vying for the contract. Three of them -- Browning Ferris Industries, Waste Management and Pine Tree Acres -- are scheduled to make their final pitches at a public meeting of a special city committee today.
So far, the best offer is Standard's $7.2 million, which is $9 million lower than what the council paid City Management in 1991.
The public meetings are the brainchild of Mayor Mark Steenbergh, who has rankled some council members by having his hand-picked committee review proposals face-to-face with interested companies. Critics contend Steenbergh's style of open discussion on contracts before they're awarded subverts the integrity of sealed bids. They also say the tactic could cause companies to fatten their offers so they can be whittled down for appearance's sake.
Some council members say they're angry because they know little about what's going on. Councilman Cecil D. St. Pierre Jr. felt so shut out of the process he filed a Freedom of Information Act about the trash-hauling negotiations.
City Attorney George Constance, however, denied his request. St. Pierre claims he wasn't told about locations, dates or times for committee meetings. Public Service Director Bob Slavko disagreed, saying council members were invited to every meeting.
Councilman Mike Wiecek shares St. Pierre's view that the face-to-face meetings have been secretive and inappropriate. "We've got the same old administration with a new face," Wiecek said. "My patience has certainly been tested."