Parkersburg officials weigh sanitation service contract – News and Sentinel

Report on Municipal Solid Waste Management Contract Negotiations in Parkersburg

Introduction: Aligning Urban Services with Sustainable Development Goals

The city administration of Parkersburg is currently engaged in contract negotiations with a private sanitation provider to manage residential solid waste and recycling services. This initiative represents a strategic move towards enhancing municipal infrastructure and aligns with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By exploring a public-private partnership (SDG 17), the city aims to create a more resilient and efficient waste management system, directly contributing to the objectives of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), particularly Target 11.6, which focuses on reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities through improved municipal waste management.

Bid Proposals and Contribution to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

Two providers, Waste Management and Rumpke, have submitted proposals for a five-year contract. Both bids include comprehensive recycling services, which are fundamental to achieving SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by substantially reducing waste generation through recycling and reuse (Target 12.5). The details of the proposals are as follows:

• Waste Management Proposal:
  1. Service: Weekly solid waste collection and bi-weekly recycling.
  2. Cost Structure: Begins at $22.00 per unit for the first two years, increasing to $26.95 by the fifth year.
  3. Provisions: Includes one 96-gallon container for trash and one 96-gallon container for recycling. Allows for two bulky item pickups per month.
• Rumpke Proposal:
  1. Service Option A (Bi-weekly Recycling): Weekly solid waste collection and bi-weekly recycling.
  2. Cost Structure A: Begins at $19.76 per unit for the first two years, increasing to $24.52 by the fifth year.
  3. Service Option B (Weekly Recycling): Weekly collection for both solid waste and recycling.
  4. Cost Structure B: Begins at $22.50 per unit for the first two years, increasing to $27.92 by the fifth year.
  5. Provisions: Includes one 95-gallon cart for trash and one for recycling. Allows for two bulky item pickups per week.

Socio-Economic Considerations and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

The transition to a private provider includes important considerations for the existing municipal workforce, addressing targets within SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Key socio-economic factors include:

• Employment Transition: Both bidding companies have agreed to offer employment to qualified city sanitation employees, ensuring a just transition and protecting livelihoods.
• Financial Sustainability: The city will manage billing, setting a rate for residents that covers the vendor’s fee as well as administrative overhead and potential non-payment issues. This ensures the long-term financial viability of the service.
• Operational Context: The decision to seek private proposals follows operational challenges, including staffing shortages that led to the suspension of curbside recycling in May, and a recent pay increase for sanitation workers intended to improve retention and recruitment.

Governance, Transparency, and Public Engagement

The final contract requires approval from the Parkersburg City Council, ensuring a transparent and democratic governance process. The procedure for approval facilitates public participation and oversight.

1. Legislative Process: The multi-year contract must be approved as an ordinance by the City Council, which requires it to be on the agenda for at least two separate readings.
2. Public Forum: Residents will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed contract during public forums at the council meetings where it is discussed.
3. Further Deliberation: Council members have expressed a desire for additional public discussion, potentially through a Committee of the Whole meeting or a dedicated public hearing, to ensure all stakeholders are informed and can provide input before a final decision is made. This commitment to public discourse is vital for building inclusive and accountable institutions.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article focuses on providing essential municipal services, specifically residential solid waste and recycling collection, which is fundamental to creating sustainable and well-managed urban environments. The city of Parkersburg is making decisions that directly affect the quality of life and environmental health of its residents.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The discussion revolves around managing waste generated by residents. A key component of the bids from both Rumpke and Waste Management is the provision of recycling services. This directly addresses the need to promote recycling to reduce waste and ensure more sustainable consumption patterns. The previous suspension of curbside recycling highlights the challenges in achieving this goal.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article touches upon employment and working conditions for sanitation workers. It notes that council had previously approved a pay raise for these employees and, importantly, that “both companies agreed to offer jobs to qualified city sanitation employees,” addressing the issue of job security during the transition to a private provider.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article details the governance process for procuring a major city service. It describes a transparent process involving public bids, a review committee, and the requirement for Parkersburg City Council to approve the multi-year contract via an ordinance. The discussion about public forums, council meetings, and the need for public input demonstrates the functioning of accountable and participatory local institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • The entire article is about the city’s effort to establish a formal, long-term contract for “residential solid waste and recycling services.” This is a direct action aimed at improving municipal waste management for the city’s entire residential population.
2. Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
   • The proposals from both companies explicitly include recycling services, with options for “weekly” or “bi-weekly” pickup and the provision of “96-gallon container for recycling.” This initiative is a direct measure to increase the city’s recycling rate and divert waste from landfills.
3. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men… and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • The commitment from the bidding companies to “offer jobs to qualified city sanitation employees” directly relates to maintaining employment for the existing workforce. The prior discussion of pay raises for these workers also connects to the “decent work” aspect of this target.
4. Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
   • The article highlights the decision-making process, stating the contract “must be approved as an ordinance by council.” It explicitly mentions that “people can comment on it during the public forums at those meetings.” Council members also express a desire for a “public hearing,” demonstrating an effort to include public participation in a decision that “is going to affect every single person.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 11.6:
   • An implied indicator is the proportion of the residential population with regular solid waste collection. The contract aims to provide “weekly solid waste collection” to every “unit (residence)” in the city, which would be a measure of service coverage.
2. For Target 12.5:
   • A key indicator is the availability and use of recycling services. The article mentions the provision of “96-gallon container for recycling” and “bi-weekly recycling” pickup. The volume or tonnage of materials collected for recycling would be a direct measure of progress. The reinstatement of the previously suspended curbside recycling program is itself an indicator of progress.
3. For Target 8.5:
   • An indicator is the employment status of the city’s current sanitation workers. The number of “qualified city sanitation employees” who are offered and accept jobs with the new private contractor can be tracked to measure the success of this transition in preserving employment.
4. For Target 16.7:
   • Indicators of participatory decision-making are mentioned. These include the number of “public forums” and “public hearing” sessions held where residents can provide input on the sanitation contract. The level of public attendance and engagement at these events could also serve as a measure.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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