Mayor Tom Henry is asking community leaders to assist in defining the criteria for the garbage and recycling contract. The mayor recently formed a Solid Waste Contract Committee that includes Neighborhood Partnership representatives, members of City Council and representatives from the Public Works department.
 
“This is a strong group of diverse voices that are closely tied to listening to and representing the public, and taking public input. I believe they will come up with solid recommendations that will be good for the City,” said Henry.
 
The committee includes three council members and four neighborhood partnership leaders – all are leaders who speak frequently with the residents of Fort Wayne.
 
The group is examining solid waste collection and recycling practices in the City including the study of recycling incentive programs, collection processes and bid specifications for the recycle/garbage contract.
 
The group will meet through mid-year before making recommendations to be included in the bid document.  The committee will remain in place to assist in preparing the bid document, reviewing prospective bids and finally, recommendations to the Board of Works and the City Council.
 
Committee Members include:
Adrienne Mauer – Southwest Neighborhood Partnership Chair
Bill Crowley – Southeast Neighborhood Partnership Chair 
David Kohli – Northeast Neighborhood Partnership Chair 
Rod Vargo – Northwest Neighborhood Partnership Co-Chair 
Liz Brown –City Council Member – At-large
Karen Goldner – City Council Member – 2nd District
Glynn Hines – City Council Member – 6th District
Bob Kennedy – Director of Public Works
Matt Gratz – Solid Waste Program Manager
 
A strong solid waste collection and recycling program is critical to the City. Last year the city collected 98,210 tons of garbage and 9,097 tons of recyclable products from Fort Wayne neighborhoods.