Itasca board advances Republic Services contract amendment with rate increases, first reading approved

President Pro Tem Jeffrey Ayaniani presided over discussion May 20 as the village considered a two‑year contract amendment with Allied Waste Services North America LLC, doing business as Republic Services, that includes optional one‑ to three‑year extensions.

The proposal presented at the capital infrastructure committee first reading would raise residential collection rates by 9% in each of the first two years and 5% in subsequent extension years, village staff said, and staff recommended proceeding with the first reading and drafting a contract addendum for formal approval at a future meeting. "We've had moderate increases in the past," one trustee said; staff said the proposed increases are budgeted.

Tish Powell, manager of municipal sales for Republic Services, told the board the Itasca program includes Monday pickup, carts for trash and recycling, unlimited bulk and yard‑waste collection and no required sticker program for excess bags — services she said add value for residents. "One of the most distinctive things that really sets your program apart...is that you don't have stickers," Powell said.

Trustees asked for resident communications about the program and recycling specifics; Powell said Republic will provide materials for the village website and newsletter and noted the company will offer paid electronics pickup outside the annual spring recycling event. Trustee comments included requests for clearer recycling guidance — for example, when pizza boxes are acceptable — and for details on the destination of collected recyclables.

A motion to recommend the contract amendment passed in a roll call at the meeting and will come back to the board as an addendum and ordinance at a future meeting where the full board can take final action.

Budget and staff notes: village staff said the fiscal impact is included in the FY2026 budget and that a copy of the contract is/will be included in the finalized packet. The village indicated representatives from Republic Services were present at the meeting to answer questions.

The board took the measure as a first reading; trustees said they will vote on the finalized contract addendum when it returns to the consent agenda with the full board present.