Where is the Material Recycling Facility?
LEE’S SUMMIT, October 17, 2011 – A great e-mail went out today from Councilpersons Whitley and Gray regarding the current state of the Solid Waste and Curbside Recycling RFP from the City of Lee’s Summit.
A temporary restraining order was issued on Thursday, October 13, by the Jackson County Circuit Court, at the request of Deffenbaugh Industries Inc., suspending the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for the City of Lee’s Summit’s Solid Waste and Curbside Recycling Program. The hearing on the temporary restraining order occurred without notice to the City and without an opportunity for the City’s arguments to be heard.
Because of this court order, the City is not able to proceed with the competitive RFP process at this time. The RFP is on hold pending the outcome of the legal proceedings and interested bidders have been notified.
It was the City Council’s goal to consider the proposals in November 2011 to determine if there are more efficient ways to encourage recycling while reducing costs to residents. Until the matter regarding the suspension of the process has been resolved the City Council’s pending decision will be delayed.
Councilmembers Brian Whitley & Allan Gray
Deffenbaugh Industries requested and obtained a temporary restraining order since they are what is called “an injured party” they can request the restraining order. The problem is that it is only “temporary” and only serves to delay the RFP. Eventually the City of Lee’s Summit will be able to present their case and it is likely that the restraining order can and will be removed; granting Lee’s Summit the ability to move forward.
It is important to remember that this issue is not going away; but rather it is being delayed. This in fact could work very positively for the Lee’s Summit City Council members who are trying to push this through because it will help people forget the issue.
It is up to the citizens of Lee’s Summit to continue to let City Council know – firmly but professionally – that we believe this RFP is the wrong answer to the City’s Solid Waste Problem. Intelligent, capable people like Kara Taylor have to be properly tasked with encouraging recycling.
The RFP has nothing in it to encourage recycling at all. There are no incentives to the Waste Haulers. There are no incentives to the Citizens of Lee’s Summit for recycling. And, worst of all, the RFP lacks any defined metrics specifically aimed at recycling. That, to me, proves that the City has no intention of promoting recycling, but rather force a new ordinance down the collective throats of Lee’s Summit residents simply to flex their political muscle, and to follow the Mid-American Council recommendations.
The RFP is the wrong answer.
Respectfully Submitted,
The Lee’s Summit Conservative
