Trustees table Sean’s deer-pickup contract after debate over per-animal vs. flat-fee pricing

Trustees discussed the village’s independent-contractor agreement with Sean’s Deer Pickups, which had provided an unlimited pickup option at $300 per month during the first year and a per-animal option (previously $150 per animal) now proposed by the vendor at $175 per animal.

Village staff presented usage numbers showing roughly 12 village pickups last year (about one per month). Under a per-animal contract at $175, the break-even point compared with the $300 monthly unlimited plan would be about 20 pickups per year. Trustees debated potential cost savings, whether DPW crews could perform pickups instead and disposal logistics and fees at local landfills.

Trustee discussion included operational and legal considerations: the vendor’s work scope covers pickups along village roads and ditch lines only; pickups from private backyards would remain the homeowner’s responsibility. Concerns were raised about whether village DPW crews could legally or practically move carcasses to a landfill without incurring disposal fees or diverting staff from other duties. The board noted a 60-day notice is required to terminate the existing contract.

Trustee Bob Sigler moved to table the contractor agreement and seek further information from DPW about the cost and legality of internal pickup and disposal, and to ask the vendor to correct contract typos and, if the board elects to change terms, update the price to $175 per animal. The motion to table (to the next meeting/May 22 or planning-commission review) was seconded and carried unanimously.

Staff will return with details about potential DPW pickup costs, landfill disposal fees, and any contract language revisions to aid a future decision.