La Habra Heights OKs 10-year franchise with Ware Disposal; residents told rate will be about $32.98

La Habra Heights’ City Council voted to approve an exclusive franchise agreement with Ware Disposal for solid-waste collection, authorizing the mayor to sign the contract and starting a transition to a new hauler this fall.

Special counsel Patrick Munoz told the council the agreement runs roughly 10 years with two one-year extensions timed to July 1 so annual rate adjustments align with contract expiration. “Tonight’s action is requesting a resolution to approve a franchise agreement with Ware Disposal,” Munoz said during his presentation.

Munoz corrected an earlier staff-report figure and said the standard monthly service rate most customers will see is $32.98. The agreement replaces what the city called borough service with a clarified “residential scout” charge for properties where collection requires specialized vehicles; a voluntary valet service is available with a waiver for qualified seniors and disabled residents.

Ware will swap out Republic Services containers during an initial transition between Oct. 1 and Nov. 1, with staff and the company aiming to resolve account-level mismatches by Jan. 1. Munoz described a 90‑day review period after transition in which Ware will assess customer accounts and recommend opportunities for consolidated pickup points or other cost savings.

Council and staff emphasized several service additions negotiated in the contract: one annual door-to-door curbside cleanup, continued (but fewer) community roll-off events, an annual e‑waste collection tied to the curbside event, expanded mulch giveaways, and a sharps‑collection program offering prepaid mailer containers or larger pickup containers for medical needles.

The presentation also noted state compliance requirements under SB 1383 (organics recycling). Munoz said the new agreement is structured to help the city implement the law’s source-separation and reporting requirements; La Habra Heights currently holds a state waiver but faces potential fines if it later fails to comply.

Resident Stephen Blagdon told the council the contract had not been available to the public as of 6 a.m. the day of the meeting and urged the item be held over: “We couldn't see it, thus I'm not able to make any meaningful comment,” he said. Special counsel and Ware representatives said the agreement was completed that morning, posted in compliance with the Brown Act, and that Ware’s proposal allowed it to absorb the franchise fee in its gross receipts rather than show a separate line-item charge to customers.

A councilmember moved to adopt Resolution 2024-27 approving an exclusive franchise with Ware Disposal Incorporated and authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement; another councilmember seconded. Roll-call votes were recorded in the minutes as yes by Zazula, Pespisa, Engelhardt, Laherty and Bergman; the motion carried.

Next steps: Ware will begin container exchanges Oct. 1 and seek to resolve account discrepancies by Jan. 1. The city said it will provide a welcome packet and a dedicated phone line and website link for La Habra Heights residents during the transition period.