Fresh debate on Trail Ridge landfill contract: An old investigation gives council pause

Apr 10, 2009 (The Florida Times-Union - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- WMI | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- A last-minute focus on a 6-year-old investigation of Waste Management Inc. has caused some Jacksonville City Council members to question the mayor's proposed contract extension for Trail Ridge landfill.

Today, for the first time, the council will debate Mayor John Peyton's plan, which is worth an estimated $750 million over 35 years. At the same time, some members -- including one who received an anonymous phone tip Wednesday -- will bring up the 2003 investigation that found Waste Management tried to cheat the city out of nearly $1.5 million.

"This issue is a red herring," Peyton said Wednesday night, "a deliberate attempt to distract attention away from the business merits of the deal before council."

Some council members say they only recently learned that Waste Management dumped Jacksonville trash at its own Georgia landfill in 2003 instead of at Trail Ridge, as its hauling contract required. In doing so, the city lost out on tipping fees the company would have paid.

An undercover investigation that included the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office led to a settlement , signed by Peyton only weeks after he took office. The hauling contract was awarded to a separate Waste Management subsidiary than the one that has operated Trail Ridge since it opened in 1992.

Councilman John Crescimbeni said an anonymous caller Wednesday suggested he look into the 2003 issue, and the records he received from city attorneys disturbed him.

Waste Management agreed to deposit additional out-of-town trash at Trail Ridge landfill to make up for what it initially diverted, bringing the city $1,483,125.

Crescimbeni said it makes him less likely to support Peyton.

"I equate that to stealing," he said. "And I just don't know if I want to do business with a company like this."

Peyton said he stands behind his proposal because the company addressed the 2003 incident quickly and the landfill has been operated -- with no notable problems -- by a separate Waste Management subsidiary for 17 years.

Maria Coppola, a company spokeswoman, said the incident shouldn't reflect poorly on the landfill agreement or the proposed contract. She questioned the motivation and timing of the issue Wednesday night.

Council President Ronnie Fussell said the 2003 issue is relevant to contract extension discussions. He said he learned of it while researching the proposed extension with the Council Auditor's Office; it was mentioned as a footnote in the auditor's March 10 report.

Councilman Daniel Davis said he knew Waste Management had been accused of violating its hauling contract but knew no details.

He doesn't think the 2003 violation should be part of today's conversation because of the length of time that has passed.

Councilman Michael Corrigan agreed. He said he hadn't heard about the 2003 settlement and was disappointed to learn any company had violated its contract.

But, he said, today's conversation should be focused on the merits of the mayor's proposal and ensuring the best deal for taxpayers.

Councilman Jack Webb disagreed.

He said the 2003 issue demands greater scrutiny of the company and the proposed contract extension.

"That creates questions to the fact whether they are a good partner for the city," he said.

tia.mitchell@jacksonville.com,

(904) 359-4425

To see more of The Florida Times-Union or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to
http://www.jacksonville.com. Copyright (c) 2009, The Florida Times-Union,
Jacksonville Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For
reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or
847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group
Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

More News:   Market Updates | Stock Alerts | All Trading News | Stock Index