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New contractor LJP Companies addresses service problems, site upgrades during Le Mars council public comment
Summary
A company representative introduced LJP Companies' takeover of a local family sanitation business, described over $200,000 in site improvements and acknowledged service problems including leachate from trucks and missed pickups; he described repair and staffing steps and invited council to tour the facility.
Michael Gotti, a representative of Van Sanitation Recycled and LJP Companies, spoke during the public comment period at the Le Mars City Council meeting on June 17 about the company's recent purchase of a local family sanitation business and ongoing service issues.
Gotti said LJP Companies acquired the local family business and that the company — which he described as a 25-year family business under new ownership — has invested "well over $200,000" in site and environmental improvements. He acknowledged there had been "transitional faux pas" and service gaps during the change in ownership and said the firm is addressing staffing, technology and equipment problems.
On specific service problems raised by residents, Gotti said some trucks had leaking tailgate seals that allow leachate to escape and that the company was replacing seals on a recurring schedule. He said trucks include cameras (sometimes called "third eye") that can document cart overages or lids left open and that the company is working to use that technology when appropriate. Gotti said staffing had fallen to about 30% at one point after the ownership transition but had been rebuilt and that the company is improving its maintenance program, working with outside providers such as Total Truck Care and seeking a qualified maintenance manager.
Residents raised neighborhood concerns about garbage left at container sites — including the recycling containers by Ace Hardware — and about bulky items such as vacuums left beside containers. Gotti said some containers were not full when he inspected them and that the company can increase pickup frequency where needed and will notify drivers if morning checks show a container needs service.
On recycling, Gotti said his company operates a sort line at its facility and can accept some items placed in local recycling containers; however he added the company does not currently have regular capacity to take household glass bottles for recycling from curbside routes and said he would investigate further. He invited council members to visit the facility to see upgrades and said the company is exploring expanded services such as electronics drop-off.
No formal council action resulted from the public comment; council members thanked Gotti for his remarks and for communicating with residents.
