By Chris Hendrickson, Monroe Monitor
Representatives from Republic Services offered an apology to city council on Tuesday night for the citywide garbage service interruption that occurred in April due to a Teamsters' union strike.
Republic Services Operations Manager Wes Smith, Operations Supervisor Jeremiah Jones and Municipal Relationship Manager Janet Prichard were all in attendance.
About 2,700 Monroe residents did not receive garbage service on Wednesday, April 17 due to local Teamsters' union workers supporting a strike that originated in Ohio.
"On behalf of Republic Services, I'm here tonight to offer our humble apology for the service disruption last month,GÇ¥ said Prichard.
"Quite simply, our company was involved in a longstanding dispute with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. This dispute originated in the Midwest and unfortunately extended here for one day. The good news is, it's over,GÇ¥ said Prichard.
Prichard stated that, through consultations with city staff, Republic Services has agreed to discount the city's cost for its annual clean-up event by approximately 25 percent.
"We do beg your forgiveness for this one unfortunate lapse,GÇ¥ said Prichard.
Prichard then talked about the current stability of the relationship between Republic and the local Teamsters' chapter. Recent negotiations with drivers produced a five-year contract, which is significantly longer than what is standard.
"Usually they're three-year contracts,GÇ¥ said Prichard.
Republic Services feels this is a testament to how dedicated these local drivers are to their jobs and to the residents in the communities they service, the representatives said.
SCHOOL RESOLUTION
In an effort to better utilize public funds, the Monroe School District and Everett Community College will be working cooperatively with city staff on a new resolution presented to council Tuesday by Monroe City Administrator Gene Brazel.
The resolution authorizes city staff to work with the Monroe School District and Everett Community College on projects of mutual interest and the procurement of goods and services.
The resolution passed unanimously.
UGA EXPANSION
Council unanimously passed the resolution authorizing city staff to proceed with transitioning the southwest rural-urban transition area property into the city's urban growth area. The city council will formally request from the Snohomish County Council the inclusion of this expansion into the Snohomish County 2015 comprehensive plan update docket.
Section 5 of the resolution states: "The city council of the city of Monroe hereby directs city staff to transmit this resolution to the Snohomish County Council for inclusion into the legislative record for actions pertaining to the Snohomish County 2015 docket and 2015 comprehensive plan update with due haste upon the execution of this resolution.GÇ¥
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