ARTICLE: Dispute over trash-hauling contract in Montebello affecting neighbors
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Chris Robles [Pericles Group]
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE & WHITTIER DAILY NEWS
http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_10884262
Trash talk grows
Dispute over trash-hauling contract in Montebello affecting neighbors
By Amanda Baumfeld, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 11/02/2008 10:07:15 PM PST
A group protests the awarding of a contract of refuse pickup to Athens Disposal in front of Supervisor Knabe's field office on Fairway Drive in the city of Industry Oct. 30, 2008. (Staff photo by Leo Jarzomb)
A controversy over an Athens Services trash-hauling contract in Montebello seems to be spilling to surrounding cities.
Community members in Hacienda Heights and Monterey Park have recently publicly criticized Athens.
Hacienda Heights residents held a protest against Athens on Thursday, and Monterey Park Mayor Frank Venti recently formed a committee to prepare an audit of its contract with Athens.
"We've been reading and are aware of what they're saying in Montebello and that's what prompted it," Venti said. "I would be derelict if I ignored the concerns brought up at Montebello City Council meetings; that's why I want this audit."
In July, Montebello council members Kathy Salazar, Robert Urteaga and Rosie Vasquez voted in favor of an exclusive contract with Athens, naming the company the only hauler in the city. The contract phases out contracts with the 13 haulers who currently collect trash.
That led Montebello residents to collect signatures for a referendum to place the Athens contract on the ballot. The referendum was put on hold by the council because of a lawsuit filed by Athens questioning the way signatures were gathered.
Athens spokesman Mike Lewis said many communities are making the change to Athens or extending their current service to address the closure of the Puente Hills Landfill in 2013. Many of the smaller haulers likely will cease doing business when they are forced to take trash to far-off dumps, experts say.
And Athens' Material Recovery Facility aids cities in reaching state-mandated recycling goals, he said.
"Athens has a very high-quality customer service," Lewis said. "We provide new trucks and new barrels; it is a much more convenient service."
Still, some residents are keeping a keen eye on Montebello and don't want the same problems arising in their cities.
"I don't want Athens to take over the service here," said Richard Cardenas of Hacienda Heights. "I don't want what's happening in Montebello to happen to the residents here."
Cardenas was among 30 residents who protested at Supervisor Don Knabe's office on Thursday to persuade him from signing a contract with Athens.
Protestors stood single file, holding signs along Fairview Road in front of Knabe's office in Rowland Heights. Some of the signs read, "Knabe does not listen to our concerns," "Stop Athens," and "Don't let Athens trash our city."
The Hacienda Heights contract is up for approval on Wednesday. If approved, it will give exclusive trash-hauling rights to Athens for about 17,000 residential households in the unincorporated community. Residents currently pick between three trash companies.
Knabe is out of town and was unavailable for comment. Field Deputy Dickie Simmons addressed the rallying crowd.
"Knabe is for no increases in fees but maintaining the same level of service," Simmons said. "Overall, it's a benefit for the community."
Athens Services was the lowest bidder among six trash-hauling companies. If awarded the seven-year contract, monthly trash bills will be $17.72. Residents now pay from $23 to $30 a month, depending on the trash company.
"A lot of people in that community are on fixed incomes," Lewis said of the benefit with Athens. "The county will have better control over waste service and quality control with just one hauler."
Some residents at the rally brought up an $18 million lawsuit filed against Athens by the South Coast Air Quality Management District on Aug. 21. The lawsuit claims Athens neglected to correct numerous odor and safety violations.
Simmons said Athens cannot be punished for violations that occurred a year ago.
Meanwhile, Monterey Park has had an exclusive contract with Athens since 2002. Venti has been against the contract from the start, he said.
Venti wants an audit of the contract in light of issues that have arisen at Montebello meetings, including the AQMD lawsuit and health issues. He is fearful Monterey Park could be held liable for some of the violations.
"I have nothing against Athens personally," Venti said. "This audit is so we feel comfortable we are doing the right things and don't have a breach of contract."
Christopher Robles
Principal
PERICLES GROUP
P.O. Box 2601
Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 431-4110 Phone/Fax