SAUK RAPIDS - The Sauk Rapids city council continues to move ahead with their plan to consolidate the city's garbage collection.  During tonight's (Monday) meeting, the council made a number of decisions about what should be included in a city contract with a garbage hauler.

Most of the discussion involved who should bill the residents for their garbage pick-up.  The staff has recommended the hauler handle the billing, but some council members thought the bill should come from the city.  It was decided they'll ask haulers to submit bids for both options and see which was a more affordable option.

The city is also asking potential haulers to submit rates to cover the entire city, as well as rates if the city was broken-up into two zones with different haulers for each zone.

The garbage collection days recommended are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Residents would have the flexibility of getting a 30, 60 or 90 gallon trash can, they would also have the option of having their garbage collected every-other week -- if they don't generate much trash.

The contract between the city and the haulers would be a two-year agreement, with the city having the option of terminating the contract after the first year.

The next step will be for the city to prepare a Request for Proposals from the garbage haulers.  That will be brought back to the city council for their approval next month.  The city could then go out for bids after the first of the year.

Currently Sauk Rapids residents have the ability to choose their own garbage hauler, but the city wants to go to a single hauler to reduce the wear and tear on the streets.

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