By going with Burbank Recycling’s recommendation to hire Burrtec, the city receives $150,000 as part of its contract to cover expenses of transferring the operation. Following negotiations last month, Folsom’s company agreed to kick in an extra $100,000 if Burbank officials went with Burrtec.
But Gordon said he had serious concerns about how much Burbank Recycling was charging Burrtec to purchase the equipment.
“Quite frankly, I think we need to run as far away from this transaction as possible,” said Gordon, who cast the lone dissenting vote.
He argued that the city should put the contract out to bid to guarantee there are no ties to Folsom or his company.
Councilmen Dave Golonski and Gary Bric said that while they understood Gordon’s concerns, soliciting bids for the contract would cost about $5.8 million over the length of the five-contract, according to staff estimates.
City officials also calculated that transporting recyclables to Crown Disposal in Sun Valley for processing would cost $6.2 million.
Going with Burrtec would cost only $3.2 million and would give the center five years to regain state certification to receive CRV funds for curbside recycling, according to city officials.
Golonski said he wished the city had more time and money to deal with the situation, but it doesn’t have either.
“I don’t think anyone’s thrilled with the way this thing has played out,” he said.
At an earlier meeting, council members had requested Burrtec simply complete the remaining three years on Burbank Recycling’s five-year contract.
