Bluffs being courted by trash collection companies, but wants residents’ thoughts
BLUFFS — The village is exploring requests from two companies seeking to provide trash collection to residents.
GFL Environmental representatives Eric Shangraw and Scott Rives asked board members this week about signing a five-year contract for the entire village for trash pickup. The fee would be $18.45 per unit each month, but all households would be required to take the service.
GFL bought provider Area Disposal last year and Trash Queen on July 1 and has contracts with 72 municipalities.
The village would have to approve an ordinance requiring all residents to use the service. Mayor Linda Sapp and board members’ main concern was that the village would be responsible for ensuring residents paid their trash bills and would have to enforce such measures.
Josh Allen, representing J&J Services, was also interested in getting the village’s trash collection business. J&J Services is a startup family company and Allen said he would not require the village to sign a contract. The business charges an estimated $80 every three months.
Board members tabled discussion until next month so public opinion could be assessed. A committee including Aaron Sharrow, Tim Welch, Brenda Kauffman and Chuck Pine will explore the idea further.
Bryan Cannon of Benton & Associates updated the board about a project to build a new water tower. He said there may be a delay because the blue steel being used for construction will not be shipped until July.
The village received the second half of an $89,000 COVID-19 grant and will use the money for the water tower project.
Bluffs board members have set trick-or-treating hours in the village from 5 to 8 pm Oct. 31. The village will hand out drinks and chips, and the school district will have an event that night for pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students.
The village is hosting Santa Claus in the park again this year at 6 pm Nov. 26. He will arrive on a fire truck and there will be Christmas carolers and vendors to welcome him.