Republican Town Board candidate Pete Molinaro is still pressing the town on its Request for Proposal for a private partnership for the town’s landfill operations.
During the public comment section of a Town Board meeting held on Thursday, June 23, Molinaro asked what progress has been made or what stage of the process the town is on regarding the RFP.
We’re still in negotiations, and while we’re in negotiations, we can’t really discuss it, said Colonie Supervisor Paula Mahan. `It’s moving along and negotiations are going well. I can tell you that much.`
This led Molinaro to assert someone had already been chosen. Mahan said that was not the case as there are still six companies that are involved in the process. Once an agreement is reached, she said, the town will be able to go public on who it is working with and release a timeline.
This was confusing to Molinaro, who said he didn’t understand how the town was able to negotiate with six companies. He said the way the process generally works is an operator is selected and then evaluated.
`I don’t understand where negotiations come in,` he said. `I don’t understand how you’re negotiating with someone that hasn’t been chosen yet.`
Molinaro has criticized the town for not releasing meeting minutes of the town’s Landfill Exploratory Committee, which was created in July 2010. He has since asked that the RFP process be public as well because he feels its’ an issue that is important for residents to know about.
Town Attorney Mike Magguilli disagrees and said it is in the town’s best interest not to make the process public. He said under Municipal Law 120-w, once the town receives proposals from various operators, it must begin negotiations to bring a deal that would benefit the town.
If the negotiations were to be made public, he said, it could be dangerous for the town.
`It prevents the proposers from getting together and teaming up on the town,` he said. `We must allow the negotiations to be private to protect the town.`
Molinaro asked that the town hold several public meetings throughout town to provide enough chances for residents to attend and voice their opinions.
`Sometimes having the meeting for one night can be hit or miss with people here,` he said. `I think it’s really something that should be aired out.`
Mahan said Molinaro and the town have similar interests in that they are both looking for what is best for the residents of Colonie. She said that while the town would not be able to hold a meeting in every spot in the town, there will be opportunities for residents to get the information they need as well as to comment.
`We will be having public information sessions,` she said. `And we’re always here for questions.`
In related news, a study released on Monday, June 27, suggests a Regional Solid Waste Management Authority in Albany County could bring in some cost savings and operational and environmental benefits. The study said that savings could amount to between $10.8 million to $15.84 million per year. Mahan was quoted in the release as saying it’s good for municipalities to look at different options when it comes to managing a landfill.
`It’s important to consider new options for the future of waste management,` she said. `This study will provide valuable information going forward. I commend Albany County Executive Mike Breslin for his leadership on this vital initiative.`
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