Reynoldsville Borough Council held its monthly work session last night and returned to the garbage bid controversy.
Reporting on the story is Sam Bundy: At its September meeting, the council awarded the garbage contract to Bob Beck of ARC Disposal of Reynoldsville. However, Ed Yahner of Waste Management attended the meeting and contested the council’s action, saying the contract had to be put out for bid. When the council returned after an almost hour-long executive session last night, Council President William Cebulskie said that the contract had to be rescinded and put out for bid. He said their action at the September meeting was under the advice of counsel. For his part, Borough Solicitor Joe Ryan said his initial advice was incorrect, but case law says that even though the borough is not spending any money on the contract, the contract still has to be bid.
In his defense, Bob Beck of ARC Disposal said he has already made non-refundable purchases thinking he received the bid. Beck added that Waste Management has filed a Right to Know request to see his bid so they will know what his original bid was. cut To that, Councilmember Mike Popson responded, “Our hands are tied.” When asked later if the council was required to accept the lowest bid, Solicitor Ryan said the borough is required to take the “lowest responsible bidder,” adding that it depends on the situation. The borough will advertise for bids for the garbage contract. Spec sheets for companies wanting to bid will be available October 10. Bids will be opened at the October 19 meeting.
