Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session Wednesday evening at City Hall.

Council Member Gumke was not present.

The Council discussed the Services Enterprise Agreement for residential recycling with Renaissance Recycling, LLC.

Mayor Katie Andersen reviewed the basics of the updated agreement which included:

A five year contract, with a renewal after five years, and reviewed annually.

A description of the drop off site includes that it be maintained and operated in a safe manor for the public.

Be open five days a week for  four hours, and include openings on Saturdays.

The holiday schedule will be the same as the city’s garbage collection schedule.

During the first six months of the recycling the city and Renaissance Recycling will split the costs of residuals that are not collected.

There will be  written permission with the city to transfer to another recycler, except to a one time transfer to a company owned by Renaissance Recycling.

With the Rates $5.55 per month, per household, for the first year….year two rates increased by a predetermined multiplier.

Years 6-10 the rate will be negotiated within the five year renewal.

An Act of God provision is included in the event of a natural disaster and the recycler not able to meet obligations.

Council Member Buchanan said the public has informed him of wanting  an opt-out clause.

It was explained, that those not wanting to recycle can select the smallest recycling bin, and see little changes in the present rate.

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs said the $5.55 is the cost of the city to recycle, and not necessarily the rate charge to the residential customer.

He added the present rate to the consumer, could be the same or less as they are paying now.

Recycling rates are based on the volume of recycled items, versus items disposed of in the garbage bins, and determined by the size of the bins.

Recycling of glass materials will continue at the recycling center, only.

Renaissance Recycling’s Ralph Friebel said glass recycling is only profitable if its sorted at the center, and shipped off from there.

The public will be further educated about rates, containers and other issues before implementation

The City Council voted unanimously to approve entering into the agreement.

Mayor Andersen and City Administrator Jeff Fuchs will sign the agreement.  Any minor changes such as language can be made without their approval.

Residential recycling in Jamestown is anticipated to start on July 1st this year, pending equipment purchase and any unforeseen circumstances.