Boulder City approves trash-pickup deal

Lisa Snedeker

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1998 | 11:21 a.m.

Boulder City will soon be a little cleaner.

The City Council on Tuesday night approved a new contract for trash pickup, disposal and recycling as well as a new dry cleaning business.

After hearing concerns from a handful of residents and agreeing to make language changes recommended by councilmen and the city attorney, the council voted 4-1, with Councilman Bill Smith dissenting, to approve a 10-year contract with Boulder City Disposal Limited Liability Corp.

"This contract is far superior to the former contract," Councilman Bryan Nix said.

The monthly residential rate for trash pickup remains $9.75 -- 75 cents goes into a trust account for the eventual closure of the landfill.

The contract allows the 75-cent closure fee to be adjusted to cover increases in projected costs which are reviewed annually. The rate is fixed for five years -- unless the National Park Service terminates its contract with Boulder City Disposal. After five years, the rates will be adjusted annually up to 2 percent according to the Consumer Price Index.

The city will receive 5 percent of the landfill revenue from commercial and residential accounts; $1.25 per ton for deposits in the landfill, with the exception of the city; and 10 percent of the revenue generated from the National Park Service.

There is an option to extend the contract for five years.

The agreement contains strict provisions for litter and dust control in and around the city landfill as well as imported trash from outside the city, with the exception of the Lake Mead Recreation Area.

Boulder City Disposal also will provide a composting facility in addition to a recycling center.

Councilman Smith attempted to revive the lengthy battle to operate the community's controversial landfill. In May, the council voted -- with Smith dissenting -- to begin negotiations with Boulder City Disposal despite a lower bid from Nevada Waste Service Systems Inc.

"I don't understand why you think this is a good deal," Smith said, referring to Nevada Waste Service's offer to pickup residents trash for $8.50 a month -- a fee he said would collectively save residents an estimated $83,000 a year.

Nix replied the council backed its decision to go with Boulder City Disposal because it had done a respectable job and should be rewarded a new contract. He added the fee might have changed in negotiations as well.

"Here we go again," Nicky Collins, a nine-year resident, told the council. " Another bad deal for the city ... all at a higher cost to residents."

Resident Mary Shope also questioned the council why its willing to enter into a contract that provides less services and costs more. Her main concern was recycling, including the recycling center, which is open daily, and plans to limit its hours on Saturdays under the new contract.

"Commercial recycling is not addressed (in the agreement) and I would like to see it incorporated," Shope added. "I feel the contract needs to be strengtheed to address recycling."

The council also gave a 4-1 nod for a dry cleaning business to set up shop in the Joshua Tree Shopping Center, owned by Landon and Associates.

Despite a few residents who voiced concerns about the conditional use-permit for the Albertson's shopping center which is zoned C-1, the council followed the Planning Commission's recommendation to allow the operation of an on-site dry cleaner and laundry.

Jim Langenberg of Colorado Springs, Colo., and his partner, former Boulder City resident Bob Houghen, plan to open the store in December, Langenberg said.

"I believe in competition," Langenberg said. "I feel this is a good thing for Boulder City and I look forward to serving the residents here."