The Village of Walden is preparing for a new garbage contract, and trustees seem to care most about it protecting and supporting local residents.

Their current contract expires May 21, and Village Manager John Revella told the board last week they needed to get the bid for a new contract out quickly. He noted that nothing is changing too much.

“The terms for service are two bulk pickups a year, one in April, one in October. Outdoor yard waste from April to December, just like it is now; garbage and recycling separate once per week as well as the whole term, including a separate bid for commercial,” said Revella.

Board members had questions before passing the contract. Trustee Lynn Thompson thought about increasing the fines because of residential complaints.

“We had a brief discussion about the terms of the contract because with the fines we have now it appears that it’s really not improving some of the issues that the residents are having. So, we had asked about that number for the fine; should we alter that?” Thompson asked Revella, since his office receives most of the complaint calls.

Revella said it was up to the board. “I don’t think that doubling it would be too far out of line,” he noted.

Trustee Becky Pearson asked if they actually charge the company these fines.

“It’s hard to give the evidence because people make the complaint and by the time we get there, somebody cleans it up,” Revella answered.

Thompson reiterated that stronger fines could be the way it’s fixed.

“If they spill something from the cans or when the bags break for the yard waste, they leave it all over the street, so I just would like to know how we can stay on top of the things they are not doing properly,” said Thompson. “I guess I’m just trying to find out how we can come up with something to make them do their job better for our community.”

Carley suggested putting the word out.

“Maybe we should put that out in some kind of way to our residents, for the ones who are having chronic issues. ‘If there’s a problem please take a photo, send it to X, Y and Z, then we’ll discuss it,’” said Carley.

Trustee John Elliot asked about increasing the amount of haul pickups for residents, but Revella noted that they chose to do two because of the excess garbage in the village when the pickups happen.

Thompson agreed with Revella, stating that she hated to see big hauls of garbage all over the village. “I have to agree with the manager. Those two collection periods absolutely destroy me. I can’t stand how the village looks for a day,” said Thompson.

Revella also brought up residents’ concerns about the condition of the garbage trucks and pick-up vehicles, stating that they’ll go through in-house inspections through the village.

The bid packet was approved and they should get bids back in late March, which will be open to the public.