Citizen Comments
November 13, 2017
Maplewood, Posted on Facebook
Tony Hoffer
Trash day in my area of Maplewood is Friday. This was taken less than a minute ago. Half the street remains to be picked up on Saturday morning. No accountability with government mandated single hauler.
Ricky Brenna
So who do you call... the city or the hauler?
Tony Hoffer
Calling the hauler is worthless. Last time I called they didn't even know their own agreement with the city of Maplewood.
I had called Republic about an old water heater I needed hauled off... They told me $75. I knew this was wrong so I called the city. They said its in their contract $25. I finally called a scrapper from Craigslist and he came and got it for free.
I just tried to do the right thing and call Republic and let them know that they had missed the west side of the street. After about 10 minutes on the phone trying to explain this to their representative, I was told technically I can't make a complaint because my trash was picked up. You can't make this shit up.
Maplewood, Posted on Facebook
Tony Hoffer
Trash day in my area of Maplewood is Friday. This was taken less than a minute ago. Half the street remains to be picked up on Saturday morning. No accountability with government mandated single hauler.
Ricky Brenna
So who do you call... the city or the hauler?
Tony Hoffer
Calling the hauler is worthless. Last time I called they didn't even know their own agreement with the city of Maplewood.
I had called Republic about an old water heater I needed hauled off... They told me $75. I knew this was wrong so I called the city. They said its in their contract $25. I finally called a scrapper from Craigslist and he came and got it for free.
I just tried to do the right thing and call Republic and let them know that they had missed the west side of the street. After about 10 minutes on the phone trying to explain this to their representative, I was told technically I can't make a complaint because my trash was picked up. You can't make this shit up.
August 4, 2017
On Organized Trash Collection, St. Paul Pioneer Press
St Paul residents could ask those living in a town with organized trash collection to see how they like it.
We in North Saint Paul had our trash collection organized about 10 years ago so we know how it works. The town implemented the system because it would be cheaper and save our roads from all the trash trucks. We used to have 2 or 3 trash haulers pick bags up at the curbing, simple with one trip down the street for each hauler because they could cover both sides of the street with one trip. If we didn’t like our hauler we could change to a different one.
We now have as many as 7 garbage trucks driving down our streets picking: trash, recycle, yard waste, bulk items AND soon we will have food waste picked up. Once food waste is picked up we will have 9 trucks wearing out our streets. The cost for all this madness is way higher than our old simple service, look out for bulk item pickup. Bulk item pickup is a scam where you MUST pay a fee if you use it or not in NSP.
Oh yes we also have to find a place to store the ugly trash container, ugly yard waste container, ugly recycle container and soon ugly food waste container, the dirty containers will nearly fill a garage stall up and stink.
We still must use bags for everything placed in containers just like we used to. We can’t change haulers if we don’t like the one the Government picked for us we are stuck with them.
How are our streets? Well our street was rebuilt like five years ago and it’s already showing signs of serious deterioration.
Timothy O. Carvelli, North St. Paul
August 4, 2017
Coordinating Trucks
I wanted to add my comments to this debate. I understand what the city council is trying to do, by eliminating multiple trucks. Has any consideration been given to coordinating the schedule with the recycling trucks? My waste collection happens to be the same day as recycling (Friday), but I would anticipate that there will still be several areas that will experience trucks on multiple days during the week when both recycling and waste collections are included.
I also anticipate my costs would rise under the current plan. I currently have a 95-gallon container. My per month rate is $17.95 without taxes/fees and $28.98 including taxes/fees.
Using the costs reported in the Pioneer Press:
If the city’s plan includes the taxes and environmental fees, I anticipate my cost would increase by over 25 percent.
If taxes and fees still need to be added, then my cost will more than double.
I really think the city should be able to do better on rates.
Thank you,
Tom Chervenak, St. Paul
July 23, 2017
City’s plan would cost this senior more, St. Paul Pioneer Press
I am a retired senior citizen living in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood of St. Paul. Under the new city trash collection plan (“City trash collection plan is released,” July 18), my annual cost for garbage pickup will increase nearly 200 percent.
I am currently paying less than $15 per month for trash collection, roughly $180 per year. Highland Sanitation gives me a senior discount, as well as a discount for paying annually. Under the proposed city plan, I will pay $24.40 per month, plus an annual $52 for “administration,” or $344.80 per year.
I have no idea where the “savings of $35 to $52 per year” comes in. I guess others will get it from the $164.80 more that I will be paying. Yet another program that benefits those with the most and penalizes those with less.
Thanks a lot, St. Paul. When are you going to start caring more about your citizens and less about your egos?
David Hipple, St. Paul
July 23, 2017
One pizza joint per neighborhood, OK?, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Obviously, there are too many pizza delivery vehicles on the streets of St. Paul. This is, in part, because of too many pizza restaurants delivering in the same neighborhood. If only we could regulate just one pizza shop for a particular neighborhood. And those who do not buy any pizza would be required to pay $21.11 per month for pizza they do not want. And pay $52 in additional property taxes to make the plan work.
Eileen Quinlan, St. Paul
July 23, 2017
Better off without city’s help, St. Paul Pioneer Press
On July 18, some information on what the city of St Paul has negotiated for trash collection over the next five years was detailed (“City trash collection plan is released”). Being a homeowner in St. Paul for 45 years, I have “fended” for myself in hiring garbage removal. During this time, I have always used a locally owned hauler to provide this service and they have provided “consistent, high-quality service.” My service has been once per week in a 65-gallon barrel.
The hauler I have used for many years does a wonderful job at what I thought was a competitive price. With the details from the article, that competitive price is confirmed.
Here are the specifics comparing what the city has done to “help” me and what I have managed to do by myself:
• City-negotiated price for weekly pickup of a 65-gallon barrel: $29.76 per month X 12 months = $357.12 per year, plus the annual fee of $52, for a total of $409.12 per year.
• Fending for myself for weekly pickup with a 65-gallon barrel: $18.94 per month X 12 months = $227.28 per year, all taxes and fees included.
The difference is $181.84 per year. So I must be an outlier to the homeowners referenced in the article where it stated that “most homeowners will see savings of $35 to $52 per year.”
This issue of organized trash collection has been bantered around for years and now the city is finally in the home stretch. Whether it is right or wrong seems to have minimum impact on the decision.
The free marketplace is getting less free in St Paul.
Tom Troskey, St. Paul
February 1, 2016
Posted on newspaper website in response to Bloomington's proposed government managed trash service
Last time I checked this was America and we have freedom to do business with who we want, not what government decides. The road system was built to enable commerce. A few more trucks rolling down the road means nothing over 20 years, it's not even quantifiable. -buffcoat
My local trash hauler eventually became part of a large hauler Veolia. A 95 gal container in 2012 cost $27 a month, the all-in 3 month bill was $129.87. It caught my eye when I noticed the previous bill was $139.75 for Nov-Dec-Jan. It turned out they had changed billing practices so instead of paying monthly after the delivered service, they now billed for the next three months before delivering the service, so on Jan 25, 2012 they prepared a bill covering 2/1/12-4/30/12 for $129.87. I received the bill on Feb 5 with a due date of Feb 15 to be received and processed in Carol Stream, Il by Feb 15 or a service charge of $5.95 would be incurred. So prepay 3 months ahead to their out of state processor within a few days of receipt or pay a $5.95 penalty on each billing. When I told them I wanted to cancel they told me there was $35 pickup fee for them picking up their container. I put the container in my pickup and delivered it back to them to avoid the $35 charge. Since then I have used a wonderful family-owned service Ken Berquist & Sons. I pay $22 a month for a 95 gal container, all up $94.11 for 3 months. I trust them, their service has been superb. If I have any questions I call. So bottom line the big outfit was stiffing me. I would not want to see the local Berquist family owned business driven out of business by some large outfit like Veolia as I don't trust them, don't want them near my trash. My relationship with my trash hauler is like my relationship with my dentist, or barber, I want to choose who I deal with. - dennynightingale
I lived in St Paul for many years before recently moving to Minneapolis. For the people that think the government is "us" and "we" would never gouge "us" with fees, YOU ARE DEAD WRONG. Always starts out great, but quickly gets classic government bloat and complacency. Competition is healthy. I got WAY better service in St Paul. And my trash service was 35% less than it is now in Minneapolis. Now the Mpls. city employees will put a "tag" on my trash bin if I have a couple of leaves or a weed i pulled out of my grass in it, or if the lid doesn't completely close. I'm not exaggerating. Lazy workers in Minneapolis set my bin down in my driveway, so when leaving with my car I have to stop and get out to move it to the side. In St Paul always great service with a smile!! They'd pick up anything and everything near my bin. Why? Because if they made me mad, I'd call their competition! Competition keeps everyone honest and it's ALWAYS better for the consumer. - vinben
Many of the elected officials who are so concerned with the number of trucks driving up and down city streets have no problem adding additional trucks to pick up recycling, yard waste and organics, i.e. wet garbage and whatever may come next. And how much wear and tear and pollution is caused by all the UPS and Federal Express trucks driving up and down the streets daily? Not to mention the US Postal Service. There is no talk to organize parcel delivery, which in my view is the biggest threat to public safety. And lets also address all the chemical lawn services, tree trimmers, and school buses. I wish only one school district's buses came down my street, there are buses from at least 4 different schools that drive past my house. - iamlydia
The power of the free market is consumer choice. The ability to shop for the best deal. The right to switch vendors when you're unhappy with their service. All that goes out the window when you are forced to do business with a government-run monopoly. If the price goes up or the service is poor, you have no recourse and that's not what free people want and expect. - dentester
February 28, 2015
Hand written letter to Garbage Haulers for Citizen Choice
My husband and I are both seniors. We do not own a computer to e-mail the city council concerning our unhappiness about trash disposal. Your flyer was in our mailbox, so that's how we got the address. I hope this note can somehow be counted in our opposition to the city taking over trash collection. We are on fixed incomes and my husband is bed-ridden. Money is tight and we don't want the city telling us what we must pay for garbage service.
Thank You, D&J B - Bloomington residents
February 27, 2015
Email to Garbage Haulers for Citizen Choice
I would like to speak to you about the ongoing efforts by you regarding City Controlled Garbage collection. My wife and I are opposed to any control by the City of Bloomington regarding the collection of our trash. We believe the current system, Open and Free system, of waste collection is unbroken and should not be fixed. As residences we have a choice as to who we wish to collect our trash, which in our opinion is the best option. We also support our current waste hauler as they are a local company with financial and family ties to the area.
I have lived in other cities that had one hauler and only one to chose from. In short, they had a monopoly and as such their services were less than adequate. I am also of the belief that City Controlled Garbage collection could lead to nefarious dealings with the City of Bloomington and its elected officials.
We are also aware that the city has spent well over six figures on consulting services to research City Controlled collection. We are of the opinion this is a complete waste of money and should have been allocated elsewhere, quite possibly to the public works and or police departments.
Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this matter.
Sincerely, MP - Bloomington resident
February 25, 2015
Bloomington Sun Focus Editorial
"The Bloomington City Council, through its organized garbage collection scheme, is on a path to prohibit you from buying local and supporting Minnesota-based garbage haulers."
"If the city council gets its way, you (at minimum) will no longer get to choose the garbage hauler you do business with or, worst case scenario, you will be forced to patronize a single multi-region or multi-state hauler chosen by the city council."
"Based on council discussion at the Feb. 10 Organized Collection Options Committee meeting, the council, led by efforts of the mayor and Councilmember Jack Baloga, will very likely put this out for bid. This, in my opinion, is the Trojan Horse the city council will use to move Bloomington to a single-hauler system. The single hauler will undoubtedly be “big garbage,” a multi-state, non-local hauler with economies of scale and the ability to underbid their costs to get the initial contract. Then, of course, they can raise prices later when they are the only choice we have."
"Regardless, this will seriously harm local businesses and would cause some local haulers to shut their doors. If you like big corporate garbage companies then this should make you happy, but I prefer to keep my choice and support local businesses."
"My experience has shown that local haulers have been price-competitive, while the service and responsiveness of local haulers is far better, and therefore, a better overall value. You also get the added benefit of directly supporting the local community."
"Tell the council we want to keep our choice."
Marilee Jennissen, Bloomington
February 25, 2015
Email to Garbage Haulers for Citizen Choice
"Thank you so very much for sending out the post card with phone numbers to call regarding the trash hauling change the City of Bloomington seems to want."
I made a call to every one of the phone numbers as soon as I got back in the house from getting the mail. I am so against this idea of not having a choice. It's a guarantee of bad service and higher prices."
"Thank you again!" - BC, Bloomington resident
February 25, 2015
Email to Garbage Haulers for Citizen Choice
"I received by mail your recent postcard regarding the fact that the City of Bloomington is looking at using one garbage hauler. I am a Bloomington resident, believe in free market, and am quite surprised that the city council is even considering this."
"I have to say that this idea does not surprise me. We used to be Allied Waste....or Waste Management customers until we could not afford them any longer. A number of years ago this company put chips on the garbage cans, telling people the more weight they had, the more reward points you could get! I was a little fearful of what was coming."
"This is a bigger deal than people realize as it entails Agenda 21 and TPP. The Government would love to squeeze out independent, smaller companies and just have large companies run and rule everything. Hence, I noticed that a Jennifer Klennert was introduced in a August 29, 2014 email to Jim Gates. Ms. Klennert is written up as being a former employee of Waste Management. Not good."
"Thank you for your work. I am alarmed that our City Council still has this subject on the table. I will email each one of them." - MT, Bloomington resident
December 22, 2014
Kirkham letter to Fridley Council
"Now that the elections are safely behind us, the Council reprises the issue. Hmmm. And when the Council re-schedules the vote on it for two days before Christmas, when not many citizens will be available to attend. Hmmm, again."
December 22, 2o14
Davis letter to Fridley Council
"Find it very difficult that anyone even with a tiny brain would want this idea forced on us."
December 16, 2014
Hughes letter to Fridley Council
"They talked about all the stopping and starting of all these trucks and the damage that occurs because of that. No matter how many trucks you have through the area, you still only have 3 stops and starts; one for your garbage, one for your recycles, and one for yard waste. That will not change if you have one hauler or 5. We still only have 3 stops and starts in front of our house."
December 15, 2012
Low Prices in Maplewood Stink
"Today I received my garbage bill from Allied Waste. There was a additional charge of $12.00. When I called Allied Waste to find out about the extra charge I was told it was because the lid of the garbage can was sticking up. My bill otherwise would of been $17.94 (that is not including cart service $1.50, Environmental service $8.80, and tax $3.07). Because the lid is sticking up I'm charged additional 2/3 of the bill. I was never informed that such a charge would occur. When I complained to Allied Waste, they told me, "that is what the City of Maplewood wanted." I've been living in this community for over 40 years and I've never been charged an additional amount for the lid on the garbage can sticking up. This is total bait and switch; I was never informed of such a policy. Also, there is a garbage bag still left in the can after their pick up this morning, shouldn't Allied Waste be entitled to refund me money for not picking up all of my garbage? I want to know is this what the City of Maplewood wanted, to charge an additional amount for the lid sticking up? I also want to now what my recourse is if I'm not satisfied with Allied Waste? If it was a cable company I would have the FREEDOM to cancel their service, but in this case I do not have that option."
"I received my first invoice from Allied Waste today. It has 2 late charges and shows an amount due that includes a balance that is over 60 days late. I repeat, this is my first invoice. I pay the bills in our house, and my wife and I both screen all mail closely. I religiously pay my bills on time and have the credit rating to prove it. There is no chance that we have received 2 previous invoices and carelessly discarded them. So what I want to know is if someone at city hall is going to help me resolve this? As I was obviously incapable of managing my garbage collection service without government interference, how could I possibly be competent enough to manage the intricacy and complexity of paying a monthly bill? Not to worry, I’m sure I’ll get nothing less than the whole joint jumpin’ when I call Allied tomorrow to resolve this. After all, they have to make sure they don’t irritate me to the point that I change service providers. Oh wait……"
"Just got our bill from Allied. $22.00 for 8 pieces of 30" x 48" plywood. What a rip off. I plan to call Allied on Monday. We were never charged extra for similar items previously. Our cart service was $1.50 Residential Service for 12/01/12-01/31/13 was $ 17.94, County environmental charge $11.60, Solid Waste management Fee $4.05 and Bulk Pick up of 8 3x4 Sheets Plywood $22.00. Welcome to the wonderful world of CCCP trash collection service. Thank you Mr Nephew!"
I myself had a a $5 late fee tacked onto my Dec/Jan billing from Allied.. My bank statement shows the check cleared November 6th.. well before the end of the service period Oct/Nov service period on November 30th..
How do you receive a late fee when you pay before all of the services have even been rendered?
Tony Hoffer, Maplewood Resident, 12/15/12
On Organized Trash Collection, St. Paul Pioneer Press
St Paul residents could ask those living in a town with organized trash collection to see how they like it.
We in North Saint Paul had our trash collection organized about 10 years ago so we know how it works. The town implemented the system because it would be cheaper and save our roads from all the trash trucks. We used to have 2 or 3 trash haulers pick bags up at the curbing, simple with one trip down the street for each hauler because they could cover both sides of the street with one trip. If we didn’t like our hauler we could change to a different one.
We now have as many as 7 garbage trucks driving down our streets picking: trash, recycle, yard waste, bulk items AND soon we will have food waste picked up. Once food waste is picked up we will have 9 trucks wearing out our streets. The cost for all this madness is way higher than our old simple service, look out for bulk item pickup. Bulk item pickup is a scam where you MUST pay a fee if you use it or not in NSP.
Oh yes we also have to find a place to store the ugly trash container, ugly yard waste container, ugly recycle container and soon ugly food waste container, the dirty containers will nearly fill a garage stall up and stink.
We still must use bags for everything placed in containers just like we used to. We can’t change haulers if we don’t like the one the Government picked for us we are stuck with them.
How are our streets? Well our street was rebuilt like five years ago and it’s already showing signs of serious deterioration.
Timothy O. Carvelli, North St. Paul
August 4, 2017
Coordinating Trucks
I wanted to add my comments to this debate. I understand what the city council is trying to do, by eliminating multiple trucks. Has any consideration been given to coordinating the schedule with the recycling trucks? My waste collection happens to be the same day as recycling (Friday), but I would anticipate that there will still be several areas that will experience trucks on multiple days during the week when both recycling and waste collections are included.
I also anticipate my costs would rise under the current plan. I currently have a 95-gallon container. My per month rate is $17.95 without taxes/fees and $28.98 including taxes/fees.
Using the costs reported in the Pioneer Press:
If the city’s plan includes the taxes and environmental fees, I anticipate my cost would increase by over 25 percent.
If taxes and fees still need to be added, then my cost will more than double.
I really think the city should be able to do better on rates.
Thank you,
Tom Chervenak, St. Paul
July 23, 2017
City’s plan would cost this senior more, St. Paul Pioneer Press
I am a retired senior citizen living in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood of St. Paul. Under the new city trash collection plan (“City trash collection plan is released,” July 18), my annual cost for garbage pickup will increase nearly 200 percent.
I am currently paying less than $15 per month for trash collection, roughly $180 per year. Highland Sanitation gives me a senior discount, as well as a discount for paying annually. Under the proposed city plan, I will pay $24.40 per month, plus an annual $52 for “administration,” or $344.80 per year.
I have no idea where the “savings of $35 to $52 per year” comes in. I guess others will get it from the $164.80 more that I will be paying. Yet another program that benefits those with the most and penalizes those with less.
Thanks a lot, St. Paul. When are you going to start caring more about your citizens and less about your egos?
David Hipple, St. Paul
July 23, 2017
One pizza joint per neighborhood, OK?, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Obviously, there are too many pizza delivery vehicles on the streets of St. Paul. This is, in part, because of too many pizza restaurants delivering in the same neighborhood. If only we could regulate just one pizza shop for a particular neighborhood. And those who do not buy any pizza would be required to pay $21.11 per month for pizza they do not want. And pay $52 in additional property taxes to make the plan work.
Eileen Quinlan, St. Paul
July 23, 2017
Better off without city’s help, St. Paul Pioneer Press
On July 18, some information on what the city of St Paul has negotiated for trash collection over the next five years was detailed (“City trash collection plan is released”). Being a homeowner in St. Paul for 45 years, I have “fended” for myself in hiring garbage removal. During this time, I have always used a locally owned hauler to provide this service and they have provided “consistent, high-quality service.” My service has been once per week in a 65-gallon barrel.
The hauler I have used for many years does a wonderful job at what I thought was a competitive price. With the details from the article, that competitive price is confirmed.
Here are the specifics comparing what the city has done to “help” me and what I have managed to do by myself:
• City-negotiated price for weekly pickup of a 65-gallon barrel: $29.76 per month X 12 months = $357.12 per year, plus the annual fee of $52, for a total of $409.12 per year.
• Fending for myself for weekly pickup with a 65-gallon barrel: $18.94 per month X 12 months = $227.28 per year, all taxes and fees included.
The difference is $181.84 per year. So I must be an outlier to the homeowners referenced in the article where it stated that “most homeowners will see savings of $35 to $52 per year.”
This issue of organized trash collection has been bantered around for years and now the city is finally in the home stretch. Whether it is right or wrong seems to have minimum impact on the decision.
The free marketplace is getting less free in St Paul.
Tom Troskey, St. Paul
February 1, 2016
Posted on newspaper website in response to Bloomington's proposed government managed trash service
Last time I checked this was America and we have freedom to do business with who we want, not what government decides. The road system was built to enable commerce. A few more trucks rolling down the road means nothing over 20 years, it's not even quantifiable. -buffcoat
My local trash hauler eventually became part of a large hauler Veolia. A 95 gal container in 2012 cost $27 a month, the all-in 3 month bill was $129.87. It caught my eye when I noticed the previous bill was $139.75 for Nov-Dec-Jan. It turned out they had changed billing practices so instead of paying monthly after the delivered service, they now billed for the next three months before delivering the service, so on Jan 25, 2012 they prepared a bill covering 2/1/12-4/30/12 for $129.87. I received the bill on Feb 5 with a due date of Feb 15 to be received and processed in Carol Stream, Il by Feb 15 or a service charge of $5.95 would be incurred. So prepay 3 months ahead to their out of state processor within a few days of receipt or pay a $5.95 penalty on each billing. When I told them I wanted to cancel they told me there was $35 pickup fee for them picking up their container. I put the container in my pickup and delivered it back to them to avoid the $35 charge. Since then I have used a wonderful family-owned service Ken Berquist & Sons. I pay $22 a month for a 95 gal container, all up $94.11 for 3 months. I trust them, their service has been superb. If I have any questions I call. So bottom line the big outfit was stiffing me. I would not want to see the local Berquist family owned business driven out of business by some large outfit like Veolia as I don't trust them, don't want them near my trash. My relationship with my trash hauler is like my relationship with my dentist, or barber, I want to choose who I deal with. - dennynightingale
I lived in St Paul for many years before recently moving to Minneapolis. For the people that think the government is "us" and "we" would never gouge "us" with fees, YOU ARE DEAD WRONG. Always starts out great, but quickly gets classic government bloat and complacency. Competition is healthy. I got WAY better service in St Paul. And my trash service was 35% less than it is now in Minneapolis. Now the Mpls. city employees will put a "tag" on my trash bin if I have a couple of leaves or a weed i pulled out of my grass in it, or if the lid doesn't completely close. I'm not exaggerating. Lazy workers in Minneapolis set my bin down in my driveway, so when leaving with my car I have to stop and get out to move it to the side. In St Paul always great service with a smile!! They'd pick up anything and everything near my bin. Why? Because if they made me mad, I'd call their competition! Competition keeps everyone honest and it's ALWAYS better for the consumer. - vinben
Many of the elected officials who are so concerned with the number of trucks driving up and down city streets have no problem adding additional trucks to pick up recycling, yard waste and organics, i.e. wet garbage and whatever may come next. And how much wear and tear and pollution is caused by all the UPS and Federal Express trucks driving up and down the streets daily? Not to mention the US Postal Service. There is no talk to organize parcel delivery, which in my view is the biggest threat to public safety. And lets also address all the chemical lawn services, tree trimmers, and school buses. I wish only one school district's buses came down my street, there are buses from at least 4 different schools that drive past my house. - iamlydia
The power of the free market is consumer choice. The ability to shop for the best deal. The right to switch vendors when you're unhappy with their service. All that goes out the window when you are forced to do business with a government-run monopoly. If the price goes up or the service is poor, you have no recourse and that's not what free people want and expect. - dentester
February 28, 2015
Hand written letter to Garbage Haulers for Citizen Choice
My husband and I are both seniors. We do not own a computer to e-mail the city council concerning our unhappiness about trash disposal. Your flyer was in our mailbox, so that's how we got the address. I hope this note can somehow be counted in our opposition to the city taking over trash collection. We are on fixed incomes and my husband is bed-ridden. Money is tight and we don't want the city telling us what we must pay for garbage service.
Thank You, D&J B - Bloomington residents
February 27, 2015
Email to Garbage Haulers for Citizen Choice
I would like to speak to you about the ongoing efforts by you regarding City Controlled Garbage collection. My wife and I are opposed to any control by the City of Bloomington regarding the collection of our trash. We believe the current system, Open and Free system, of waste collection is unbroken and should not be fixed. As residences we have a choice as to who we wish to collect our trash, which in our opinion is the best option. We also support our current waste hauler as they are a local company with financial and family ties to the area.
I have lived in other cities that had one hauler and only one to chose from. In short, they had a monopoly and as such their services were less than adequate. I am also of the belief that City Controlled Garbage collection could lead to nefarious dealings with the City of Bloomington and its elected officials.
We are also aware that the city has spent well over six figures on consulting services to research City Controlled collection. We are of the opinion this is a complete waste of money and should have been allocated elsewhere, quite possibly to the public works and or police departments.
Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this matter.
Sincerely, MP - Bloomington resident
February 25, 2015
Bloomington Sun Focus Editorial
"The Bloomington City Council, through its organized garbage collection scheme, is on a path to prohibit you from buying local and supporting Minnesota-based garbage haulers."
"If the city council gets its way, you (at minimum) will no longer get to choose the garbage hauler you do business with or, worst case scenario, you will be forced to patronize a single multi-region or multi-state hauler chosen by the city council."
"Based on council discussion at the Feb. 10 Organized Collection Options Committee meeting, the council, led by efforts of the mayor and Councilmember Jack Baloga, will very likely put this out for bid. This, in my opinion, is the Trojan Horse the city council will use to move Bloomington to a single-hauler system. The single hauler will undoubtedly be “big garbage,” a multi-state, non-local hauler with economies of scale and the ability to underbid their costs to get the initial contract. Then, of course, they can raise prices later when they are the only choice we have."
"Regardless, this will seriously harm local businesses and would cause some local haulers to shut their doors. If you like big corporate garbage companies then this should make you happy, but I prefer to keep my choice and support local businesses."
"My experience has shown that local haulers have been price-competitive, while the service and responsiveness of local haulers is far better, and therefore, a better overall value. You also get the added benefit of directly supporting the local community."
"Tell the council we want to keep our choice."
Marilee Jennissen, Bloomington
February 25, 2015
Email to Garbage Haulers for Citizen Choice
"Thank you so very much for sending out the post card with phone numbers to call regarding the trash hauling change the City of Bloomington seems to want."
I made a call to every one of the phone numbers as soon as I got back in the house from getting the mail. I am so against this idea of not having a choice. It's a guarantee of bad service and higher prices."
"Thank you again!" - BC, Bloomington resident
February 25, 2015
Email to Garbage Haulers for Citizen Choice
"I received by mail your recent postcard regarding the fact that the City of Bloomington is looking at using one garbage hauler. I am a Bloomington resident, believe in free market, and am quite surprised that the city council is even considering this."
"I have to say that this idea does not surprise me. We used to be Allied Waste....or Waste Management customers until we could not afford them any longer. A number of years ago this company put chips on the garbage cans, telling people the more weight they had, the more reward points you could get! I was a little fearful of what was coming."
"This is a bigger deal than people realize as it entails Agenda 21 and TPP. The Government would love to squeeze out independent, smaller companies and just have large companies run and rule everything. Hence, I noticed that a Jennifer Klennert was introduced in a August 29, 2014 email to Jim Gates. Ms. Klennert is written up as being a former employee of Waste Management. Not good."
"Thank you for your work. I am alarmed that our City Council still has this subject on the table. I will email each one of them." - MT, Bloomington resident
December 22, 2014
Kirkham letter to Fridley Council
"Now that the elections are safely behind us, the Council reprises the issue. Hmmm. And when the Council re-schedules the vote on it for two days before Christmas, when not many citizens will be available to attend. Hmmm, again."
December 22, 2o14
Davis letter to Fridley Council
"Find it very difficult that anyone even with a tiny brain would want this idea forced on us."
December 16, 2014
Hughes letter to Fridley Council
"They talked about all the stopping and starting of all these trucks and the damage that occurs because of that. No matter how many trucks you have through the area, you still only have 3 stops and starts; one for your garbage, one for your recycles, and one for yard waste. That will not change if you have one hauler or 5. We still only have 3 stops and starts in front of our house."
December 15, 2012
Low Prices in Maplewood Stink
"Today I received my garbage bill from Allied Waste. There was a additional charge of $12.00. When I called Allied Waste to find out about the extra charge I was told it was because the lid of the garbage can was sticking up. My bill otherwise would of been $17.94 (that is not including cart service $1.50, Environmental service $8.80, and tax $3.07). Because the lid is sticking up I'm charged additional 2/3 of the bill. I was never informed that such a charge would occur. When I complained to Allied Waste, they told me, "that is what the City of Maplewood wanted." I've been living in this community for over 40 years and I've never been charged an additional amount for the lid on the garbage can sticking up. This is total bait and switch; I was never informed of such a policy. Also, there is a garbage bag still left in the can after their pick up this morning, shouldn't Allied Waste be entitled to refund me money for not picking up all of my garbage? I want to know is this what the City of Maplewood wanted, to charge an additional amount for the lid sticking up? I also want to now what my recourse is if I'm not satisfied with Allied Waste? If it was a cable company I would have the FREEDOM to cancel their service, but in this case I do not have that option."
"I received my first invoice from Allied Waste today. It has 2 late charges and shows an amount due that includes a balance that is over 60 days late. I repeat, this is my first invoice. I pay the bills in our house, and my wife and I both screen all mail closely. I religiously pay my bills on time and have the credit rating to prove it. There is no chance that we have received 2 previous invoices and carelessly discarded them. So what I want to know is if someone at city hall is going to help me resolve this? As I was obviously incapable of managing my garbage collection service without government interference, how could I possibly be competent enough to manage the intricacy and complexity of paying a monthly bill? Not to worry, I’m sure I’ll get nothing less than the whole joint jumpin’ when I call Allied tomorrow to resolve this. After all, they have to make sure they don’t irritate me to the point that I change service providers. Oh wait……"
"Just got our bill from Allied. $22.00 for 8 pieces of 30" x 48" plywood. What a rip off. I plan to call Allied on Monday. We were never charged extra for similar items previously. Our cart service was $1.50 Residential Service for 12/01/12-01/31/13 was $ 17.94, County environmental charge $11.60, Solid Waste management Fee $4.05 and Bulk Pick up of 8 3x4 Sheets Plywood $22.00. Welcome to the wonderful world of CCCP trash collection service. Thank you Mr Nephew!"
I myself had a a $5 late fee tacked onto my Dec/Jan billing from Allied.. My bank statement shows the check cleared November 6th.. well before the end of the service period Oct/Nov service period on November 30th..
How do you receive a late fee when you pay before all of the services have even been rendered?
Tony Hoffer, Maplewood Resident, 12/15/12