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Ms. Gray went over the RFP Options and pointed out the reasoning for considering "universal <br />services" was the possibility that it may help minimize cost increases. She mentioned with either <br />"subscription service" or "universal service", there was an option for non -carted yard waste <br />(current system) or carted yard waste. She emphasized the selection committee was trying to keep <br />the cost increases to a minimum, improve collection system efficiency, and consider community <br />aesthetics with carted yard waste collection. <br />Ms. Jennifer Hyde, Purchasing Manager, reviewed evaluation criteria in the RFP and then <br />displayed a chart of the preliminary ranking of proposals by the selection committee, and explained <br />the cost difference of the various options. She pointed out the range of proposals included all five <br />of the responsive proposals received and reminded that the costs were in the preliminary stage of <br />evaluations and subject to change during negotiations. <br />6. SWDD BOARD COMMENTS / QUESTIONS <br />Chairman Adams asked if the Board had any questions, comments, and concerns for staff. In <br />response to a question by Commissioner Loar, Mr. Mehta stated the surrounding counties and <br />municipalities had gone to "universal service" while the unincorporated area of Indian River <br />County and the City of Fellsmere currently had "subscription service". He believed that "universal <br />service" would reduce illegal dumping and there would be a savings to the taxpayer. <br />Vice Chairman Flescher inquired on the percentage of individuals within the unincorporated area <br />of Indian River County utilizing the current "subscription service". Mr. Mehta replied that based <br />on reports, over 70% of the residents in the unincorporated area of the County subscribe for <br />garbage service. Mr. Mehta, in response to questions raised by Vice Chairman Flescher, brought up <br />whether the Selection Committee's recommendation included at the next meeting would be based <br />on the current pricing received to date. Mr. Mehta stated it was the Selection Committee's plan to <br />come back to the Board with a recommendation for service within the next three to four weeks. <br />After the Board made a decision on the option of service, the Selection Committee would then <br />recommend that the Board allow them to negotiate with the top two or three firms for the contract <br />with the goal of getting a reduced price. <br />For the record, Mr. Mehta stated that the Franchise Agreement was only for the collection of solid <br />waste, bulk collection, and yard waste, and noted there was a separate Franchise Agreement for the <br />Customer Convenience Centers. <br />Commissioner Earman received confirmation from Mr. Mehta that the County had "universal <br />recycling service" throughout the unincorporated area of the County and the costs were included in <br />the annual landfill assessment on the property tax bill. He brought up the challenges with recycling <br />in terms of contamination. He reported that staff does audits in various communities looking for <br />contaminates in the recycling carts and has issued warnings and at times pulled an individual's cart. <br />Commissioner Earman referred to the carted yard waste and asked if there would be a charge for <br />additional yard waste. Mr. Mehta stated in the Franchise Agreement, one 96 -gallon cart would be <br />provided and homeowners would be able to purchase additional carts for a one-time cost and could <br />purchase up to four carts per household; however, for excessive yard waste there was an optional <br />service for the yard waste to be picked up in bulk at a cost borne by the resident. <br />Solid Waste Disposal District Special Call Meeting Page 3 <br />March 20, 2024 <br />