Council delays vote on extending trash contract

Erin Neff

Tuesday, June 29, 1999 | 9:44 a.m.

The Las Vegas City Council on Monday tabled a vote to extend for 15 years the city's contract with Republic Silver State Disposal.

Councilman Larry Brown asked to table the item because he said he wanted more information. Mayor Oscar Goodman said he would abstain from any Silver State vote because of his part ownership of land at Apex Industrial Park Inc., which is located near Silver State's facilities.

The proposed agreement between the city and Silver State includes a $5.5 million donation to the city for use for a transfer station or other public purpose. City Manager Virginia Valentine suggested the money be used for parks.

In 1985 the city granted Silver State an exclusive agreement to collect and dispose of trash within the city's limits for 15 years. Until 1993 Silver State used the Sunrise Regional Landfill to dispose of garbage collected in the city.

Sunrise was closed and improperly covered in 1993. Last year amid heavy rains, debris from the landfill was uncovered and it flowed into the Las Vegas Wash, leading to numerous environmental fines against the county, Republic DUMPCO, Silver State and its parent corporation, Republic Services Inc.

The Las Vegas Wash feeds Lake Mead, Southern Nevada's primary source of drinking water.

The proposed agreement with the city includes Republic's compliance with all Environmental Protection Agency orders -- estimated to cost the company $36 million.

Earlier this month, the Clark County Commission extended Silver State's exclusive garbage-collecting rights by 15 years until 2035. That agreement came in exchange for Silver State's promise to shore up the landfill, which is emitting methane and hydrogen sulfide gases.

Outside of the gaming industry, Silver State and its associated businesses are the largest contributors to local campaigns. Among councilmen, Gary Reese received nearly $30,000 and Michael McDonald $26,300 from Silver State for their recent re-election campaigns. Goodman received $15,900 for his mayoral bid.