Council approves NewGen contract to study privatizing garbage collection and potential sale of Moccasin Mike Landfill

The Common Council voted to award a contract to New Gen Strategies and Solutions LLC to help draft a request for proposals to determine whether privatizing garbage collection or selling the Moccasin Mike Landfill is feasible.

Councilors approved the contract by voice vote after questions from Councilor Sweeney and Councilor Olsen about whether the firm could meaningfully attract bids. Finance Director Vito and Public Works Director Goetzmann had recommended the contract as the next step in a multiyear review of solid-waste options.

The city’s presentation said the project team needs “full discovery” about the landfill’s operations and value before the council can consider privatization or sale. A city staff member told the council the firm was chosen because it has “a lot of experience around the country dealing with primarily with public sector landfills and and owners of landfills,” and that New Gen previously worked with consultant David Yanki and Dr. Larson on earlier studies including a wayshed analysis, cost analysis and valuation completed the prior June.

Councilor Sweeney told the council he wanted assurance the consultant could attract credible bidders before the city spends further funds; staff said the RFP process is a discovery vehicle and that no guarantee of receiving bids is possible. The motion carried on a voice vote.

The contract will produce an RFP and related analyses; the council did not set a dollar value for the contract during the public discussion and no amendments were proposed at the meeting.