Altadenans have multiple large trash trucks from two different carriers lumbering down the streets -- and are paying ever-increasing collection rates for them-- because we want it that way.
Or so concluded the Altadena Town Council last night after a presentation by Virginia Maloles of the LA County Dept. of Public Works. Maloles Powerpointed the differences between offering carriers an exclusive (one carrier) franchise, a semi-exclusive franchise (two carriers, as we have it now) or making trash collection non-exclusive (households can contract anybody to haul their trash).
Briefly: Maloles said that by offering an exclusive franchise, haulers can compete with each other for the franchise and sometimes offer lower rates (because there's no danger of the homeowner switching their business to someone else). In other unincorporated county communities where this happens, rates are usually reduced or steady. In addition, they can offer or the county can require such services as large trash collection days, collecting "sharps" (hypodermic needles and other medical waste), spring cleaning, etc.
However, council members responded that surveys and community meetings were held regarding trash collection in 2006, and 47% of those responding preferred the "semi-exclusive" franchise in operation now. (In that same survey, 27% wanted non-exclusive, and only 23% preferred an exclusive franchise).
Councilman Steve Lamb said that it sounded like the county "didn't like our answers," and "What you're saying is free market economics don't work." Councilman Walter Olszewski said he had not found "one person who says I want to be regulated ... this area does not like exclusivity."
The council agreed to send a letter to County Supervisor Mike Antonovich affirming the community's choice of a semi-exclusive franchise.
In other action, the town council:
- Agreed to send a letter to Pasadena Unified School District, asking for an enrollment waiver to keep Rhythms of the Village charter school open. Several Rhythms students and staff spoke in support of the school at the meeting.
- Agreed to send a letter to Supv. Antonovich, asking him to apply some pressure to the developer of Lincoln Crossing. The council thought this was a good first step to take in light of the many disappointments (i.e. liens, judgments, substandard work) at the development. Last month, the council requested that the Project Area Committee that supervises the development consider an external audit. Councilmember Michele Zack, who is on the PAC, said she was unable to persuade the PAC to put that item on the agenda.
- Heard from several parents upset at the planned construction of a cell phone tower at property owned by St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church at Lake and Woodbury.
- Appointed Walter Martin as alternate council member for CT 4610.
