The San Mateo Daily Journal received a copy of this letter to Millbrae Mayor Marc Hershman:
Since February this year I have pointed out errors and omissions in the Scavenger Amendment and rate schedule. You have not responded. My March 25 letter provided specifics. Staff has not been responsive. Last week I received a May 16 letter to Scavenger. This was in response to a public records act request. It acknowledges debris box rates were not set pursuant to the contract. It says, "Since the actual calculation for debris boxes still achieves the desired mutually agreed rates and would not require a change in the current rates approved by Council, we have collectively agreed to correct the contractual anomaly during the next rate setting process to commence this October." Two things about this statement and the letter.
First, they are yet another admission rates were not set using the contract methodology. Contrary to all the city has told the public about how the new, straightforward contract method calculated rates to be comparable with other cities without negotiations, per se, it is clear again rates or a "package of rates" was negotiated in the final analysis. "Package of rates" is a term used by staff. This is also evident by the fact many rates are not comparable.
Second, the errors and omissions addressed in my letter remain uncorrected. It is wrong to wait to make the corrections as well to do whatever is planned relative to the debris box "contractual anomaly." Some rates are incorrect based on the contract. Rate payers should be paying contract based rates. The rate schedule should include proper definitions and weight and time limits. It is wrong to treat rate payers this way.
What is the problem with making corrections? Why no responses to my communications to you? Is it resentment for my persistence in addressing garbage matters with the city? Do you not want to acknowledge my findings? I have asked to be shown if I have made mistakes. What can be a reasonable and responsible explanation?
Again, I ask you to direct action to make the corrections or to provide an explanation as to why they are not needed or why it is responsible to continue to delay action. Also, I would appreciate knowing how the term "contractual anomaly" fits the situation. May I hear from you soon?
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.