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6.1.A. - Page 8 <br /> foot. She spoke about the difficulty in putting out the cans for various reasons, has <br /> spoken with Recology, and she wanted Council to know they have no recourse. <br /> Ray Torres, a resident for over 35 years, questioned the proposed increase. He also <br /> spoke about the lack of any CPI (consumer price index) increases, increased costs for <br /> people who may have a hard time with it, and whether there will be any additional <br /> income for the city from the sale of recyclables. He suggested a thorough investigation <br /> on all internal operations and finances. <br /> Mayor Ira clarified that any revenues from recycling had already been factored into the <br /> rates. <br /> One Council Member shared information on the past history of garbage service in <br /> Redwood City where some people had received special side or backyard service versus <br /> those who had to put their garbage out to the street curb at the same garbage rate. The <br /> current contract rectifies this situation by removing "subsidization" of special services for <br /> side and backyard pick up. People may still choose to have these special services, but <br /> they must pay for it. . <br /> Mayor Ira said that revenues from recycling were and always is included in the rates. <br /> Rene White questioned management decisions, acknowledged that he has seen <br /> Recology staff work hard, and he proposed a 120 day moratorium on this increase to be <br /> based on measureable increases on customer service response levels. <br /> John Thivierge, a resident, spoke about several family members who also live in <br /> Redwood City on fixed incomes and how their waste stream will not increase, but their <br /> rate will increase 18 percent. He expressed satisfaction with the prior recycling system <br /> and how he did not ask for nor want this change. He questioned having weekly pickups <br /> because it has driven up costs. <br /> Ross Savett questioned the process for how the contract was decided for Recology and <br /> was this rate increase considered at that time. He also questioned and expressed <br /> concern on the receipt of multiple containers that he has not been able to fill, who will <br /> pay for the new containers, having multiple trucks come for pick up in one day, and <br /> increased noise and fuel costs from the trucks. He said one can was sufficient. <br /> M/S Bain/Gee to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously by voice <br /> vote. <br /> Council discussion: <br /> Council had a thorough discussion on many aspects including the expectation future <br /> increases should be lower in future years; align revenue with resources and provide <br /> people with the services they want; appreciation of Utilities Committee's work and future <br /> items for consideration and appreciation to residents for coming out to express their <br /> views, this process that was neutral and made by independent people; and, it is a <br /> constant balance in also trying to meet state mandates. <br /> Recommendation: <br /> JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD January 10, 2011 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 8 <br />