3,686 / 51.84% Yes votes ...... 3,424 / 48.16% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

If you vote "YES" you are voting to approve the City's proposed contract with System Disposal. If you vote "NO" you are voting to overturn the Council's decision and not approve the contract with System Disposal. If the ballot measure is not approved, it will have the effect of overturning the City Council's decision to grant the franchise to System Disposal.

The contract between the City and System Disposal gives System Disposal an exclusive right and franchise to perform residential refuse disposal services for a ten year term beginning on January 1, 2004. Every five years, on the anniversary date of the agreement, the agreement would automatically renew for an additional five years, unless the City notifies Sysem Disposal in writing to the contrary. Under the proposed contract, System Disposal will reimburse the City $200,000 over a two year period for the cost the City incurred in buying 100 gallon barrel containers for the residents. The congtract also provides for "bulk item" pick up on a regular basis. The proposed contract does not mandate a curbside recycling program but does provide for indemnification from fines that may be imposed by the California Integrated Waste Management Board in the event recycling goals are not met.

The rates charged by System Disposal may not exceed the same rates in effect as of December 31, 2003. However, rates can be adjusted for inordinate cost incrases, for increases in tipping fees, for changes in service requirements and for the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for the preceding 12 month period. No rate increase will be allowed for the first year, that is until January 1, 2005. The City's current agreement with USA Waste provides for rate increases based on increases in "tipping fees" which are the fees charged by landfills to the refuse disposal company. The City will receive a franchise fee in the amount of 5% of the collected charges by the City. The current agreement also provides for a 5% franchise fee.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure R. If you desire a copy of the measure, please call the Election Official's Office at 323-584-6230 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.