GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - A rate increase is proposed for Gridley waste management services affecting all customers, beginning next Jan. 1. A public hearing will be held at a date not announced by press time.

Gridley City Administrator Elisa Arteaga addressed the possible solid-waste rate adjustments at the March 4 Gridley City Council meeting.

“Initially, waste management did provide a presentation on Nov. 20th, and during these discussions, we confirmed the rates on the current contract were set at lower rates compared to other jurisdictions. They provided information and our city attorney reviewed the proposal that was submitted by waste management,” Arteaga said. “On Dec. 18th, the City Council approved the extension with the caveat that we would come back because we are required under Prop 218 to provide a public hearing and allow for comments on the proposed solid waste rates. There is a 45-day notice period. And there is a recommendation reviewing approving the resolution and also confirming the extension of the contract. It's my understanding that we have not received any objections.”

Vice Mayor Bruce Johnson had a question about collections: “In reviewing the original contract and the discussion that we had with waste management, they did bring to our attention that 30% of customers hadn’t paid their bills and they wanted us to help in collecting it?”

Arteaga responded, “Waste management bills quarterly. We’re not sending out collections, we receive funds through franchise. However, they are responsible for collecting their own bills. Waste management said property owners were responsible for providing waste services on their property and they also said they will be sending out notices to the property owners and to the tenants. Those will be going out on a quarterly basis and will be brought to the council in June for public hearing on liens.”

The five council members unanimously approved holding a public hearing to consider the contract’s solid waste rate adjustments and to confirm the contract extension of five years. The time and date of a public hearing will be announced later.

According to Gridley utility director Ross Pippitt, the city wells are in need of repair, He said that the Liberty Well located at the Industrial Park suddenly stopped working in early January. Commercial Pump and Mechanical, Inc. staff found that the shaft was bad in one spot and broken in another and that the shaft’s wellhead at the bottom is broken and needs to be replaced.”

In addition, Pippitt said that the Eagle Meadows Well is making unusual noises that should be examined.

“We felt like this was an emergency. It gets a little nerve-wracking, especially when two out of the five wells decide to quit working,” Pippitt said.

Commercial Pump and Mechanical, Inc.’s invoice for the repairs, which included tearing the units apart, replacing the broken components and checking the electric motors; is for $45,803.

The council members unanimously approved awarding a contract to Commercial Pump and Mechanical (CPM) for well repairs.

Pippitt also introduced the next item on the agenda, the recommendation that City Council consider approving the removal of concrete slabs and concrete debris on the Gridley Electric Department property at 57 E Gridley Road.

“There are three large concrete pads on the property. One has already been broken up and needs to be hauled away and the other two still need to be jackhammered into movable pieces and hauled out,” Pippitt said.

The three bids presented to City Council ranged from $13,320 to $17,700 and Pippitt suggested going with the lowest bid. City Council members unanimously approved removing the concrete and awarding the lowest bid, which was from Kegan Waite.

City employee Katie Hill received a recognition certificate, presented by Gridley Police Chief Rodney Harr.

“We want to recognize Ms. Hill not only for her work ethic but also as an affirmation of what she does for us and the city. We present her with the California Associates of Code Enforcement Officers Certificate,” Harr said. “To do this, she had to pass numerous amounts of hours and training. This is one of the goals of the city and the council to push forward this agenda by getting our staff certified and more educated, which makes us a better city and better department. Katie Hill has completed all the necessary requirements, accepted exemplary knowledge and dedication to the profession and she has earned the designation of a certified Code Enforcement Officer.” Congratulations to Officer Katie Hill."

The next City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. March 18 at 685 Kentucky St.

To view more agendas, minutes, and videos of the City Council meetings on the Gridley, CA website, go to http://gridley.ca.us/government-and-departments/city-council.