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staff position and asked if those SCORE funds would be received even with an open haul <br />system. <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson answered in the affirmative, noting SCORE funds are <br />intended to reimburse the City's cost for the recycling program. <br />Councilmember McGlone stated his support for an open system, which would result in no loss in <br />revenue and allow Environmental Coordinator Anderson to migrate to community development <br />activities. He indicated the Council will consider a recommendation to recycle oil at its regular <br />meeting tonight. Councilmember McGlone stated other communities offer a drop -off site where <br />their residents can drop off things like oil and metal, and maybe Ace Solid Waste would offer <br />help in that endeavor. He noted the City may be looking at a site for an oil tank and he would <br />support adding several dumpsters. <br />Mr. Berkopec stated Andover and Coon Rapids are open market and if Ramsey is serious about <br />that option, he would point to the City of Big Lake as an example to consider. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he supports free market and competition but in this case there <br />are many reasons why contracted/single source makes sense, as detailed in the case report. He <br />stated he usually also advocates for an RFP process to assure the City is taking a fresh look at it <br />but believed that in this situation it is not practical so he would support staff's recommendation <br />in this case. <br />Councilmember Strommen stated she would favor staying with a contracted mode due to <br />concern with traffic volumes; an open system would require more staff resources to work with <br />multiple entities; and staff information shows this is a good way to maximize what is being <br />recycled. She stated support for continuing with Ace Solid Waste because they have done a <br />good job and been a good partner. <br />Councilmember McGlone noted Mr. Berkopec has stated his preference is towards the open <br />market, the business community/hauler is leaning toward an open market if it had a choice. In <br />addition, a drop center was mentioned, which could boost tonnage greater than keeping the same <br />hauler. Councilmember McGlone indicated during the Expo many people asked where to take <br />things they have laying around their property. <br />Councilmember Strommen noted an open system would require staff to shuffle more papers <br />from more entities yet the City would be paid the same amount from the SCORE grant. <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated households are charged $2.95 /month for recycling <br />and it is paid on a quarterly basis. <br />Mr. Berkopec indicated Ace Solid Waste has not increased prices since 2007 yet deals with fuel <br />price increases and changes in commodity prices. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated if it is not opened there should at least be an RFP to allow the <br />market to speak. <br />City Council Work Session / May 8, 2012 <br />Page 2 of 6 <br />