Trash Hauler Vote in Cypress Is Criticized

The City Council’s recent vote on a trash collection contract is drawing criticism from some residents.

Tony Smith, a frequent critic of the council, told members Monday night that their vote last month authorizing a trash-contract extension was a “sweetheart deal” and was “outrageous.” Two other residents Monday night also castigated the council.

The City Council, meanwhile, announced that its vote March 27 really did not extend an existing pact. Council members also said the vote no longer involves a possible $700,000 loan to the city’s trash hauler, Briggeman Industries.

At issue is the council’s endorsement of a recommendation by City Manager Darrell Essex. Essex, in a memo to council members, suggested that they “consider amending the existing franchise agreement to increase the term from 10 to 20 years and to further authorize staff to develop a financing agreement with Briggeman Industries as outlined in this report.”

Essex’s report said that George Briggeman Jr., head of Briggeman Industries, had discussed the possibility of the city’s lending him $700,000 to help finance a new recycling facility.

After discussing Essex’s report, the council approved it last month. Councilman Tom Carroll strongly disagreed with Essex’s recommendations, though. “I don’t think it’s the city’s business to be a banker,” Carroll said. Carroll said he was voting for the motion only so that he could later ask the council to reconsider.

This week, council members said they had discussed Briggeman’s existing contract during a closed meeting. They said the pact already gives Briggeman 20 years and thus their vote on March 27 was meaningless. Council members added that the $700,000 loan possibility is no longer being discussed.

Carroll, in an interview, said he is no longer going to ask reconsideration of the vote.