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Regular City Council Meeting <br /> Monday,November 18, 2013 <br /> Page 9 <br /> As an Attorney and Hamline Law Professor specializing in Trust Law, Mr. Olson <br /> expressed concern with this proposed consideration of organized trash collection, <br /> opining that it not only allowed but invited collusion between garbage haulers to <br /> divide up the market place and specifically protect their market share. While this <br /> would provide a great deal for them, Mr. Olson noted the rationale in prohibiting <br /> such activity due to reduced competition and eliminating public choice; as well as <br /> preventing new contractors from entering into businesses and creating significant <br /> barriers for private parties to enter into business. If the City Council chose to fol- <br /> low Senator Marty's bill, Mr. Olson opined that it would freeze the number of <br /> garbage haulers in the metropolitan area; and while the first three years out, cost <br /> savings may be found, when negotiating subsequent contracts, the prices would <br /> increase significantly based on market concentration. Personally, Mr. Olson <br /> opined that he liked having a choice, and he didn't' want someone else to deter- <br /> mine his carrier just because one hauler's area didn't come into his neighborhood. <br /> By getting involved in this type of process, Mr. Olson opined that it was danger- <br /> ous cost-wise for the City as well as in further eliminating public choice. Mr. Ol- <br /> son opined that such a decision would not make the people of Roseville happy. <br /> June Stewart, 2807 Fernwood Street; President of the area League of Wom- <br /> en Voters <br /> A letter dated October 17, 2013 from the League of Women Voters specific to <br /> this item and supporting organized trash collection, was provided as a bench <br /> handout and read by Ms. Stewart, and attached hereto and made a part hereof <br /> Dick Houck, 1131 Roselawn Avenue <br /> Mr. Houck expressed his total opposition to this whole issue. Mr. Houck opined <br /> that it was not about any one of the eight (8) items listed on the resolution, even <br /> though they all sound good and may convince some in Roseville. Mr. Houck fur- <br /> ther opined that it wasn't about government trying to save citizens money, but on- <br /> ly how much it could take from residents, not save for them. Mr. Houck opined <br /> that it was all about freedom to choose who a citizen wanted to do business with <br /> at their home site. If the City was actually interested in saving citizens money, he <br /> questioned why they would stop at trash haulers, but why not include furnace <br /> sales; and other trucks (e.g. UPS trucks, FedEx trucks, and snow plowers) using <br /> the roads. Mr. Houck opined that government should not be involved in the free <br /> enterprise system. <br /> Nestor Riano 2347 Western <br /> Mr. Riano opined that his comparison of the costs for the City of Maplewood for <br /> implementing an organized trash collection system had not saved any money <br /> based on his website research. Mr. Riano opined that those savings were assured <br /> rather through competition and keeping happy customers. Mr. Riano further <br /> opined that neither the City nor its residents would save any money through an <br /> organized trash collection. <br />