Hello Members,
On February 14th, West-Win sent an email to Members for whom we have email addresses, and posted the information on the West-Win website and FB page, notifying and encouraging all Members to vote their choice on the March 19th primary ballot proposition to authorize Winfield Township to contract for a refuse collection and disposal in our area.
- PROPOSITION TO AUTHORIZE WINFIELD TOWNSHIP TO CONTRACT FOR AND REGULATE REFUSE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF WINFIELD TOWNSHIP
Shall Winfield Township, DuPage County, Illinois be authorized to exercise the powers of the “Township Refuse Collection and Disposal Act” (60 ILCS 1/210-5 et seq.) to enter into a contract for the collection, disposal, composting and recycling of garbage and refuse for residents of the unincorporated areas of Winfield Township?
West-Win had many questions concerning this proposition and has contacted both Nicole Prater, Supervisor of Winfield Township, and Sheila Rutledge, Chairperson of the DuPage County Board Environmental Committee, to obtain a better understanding of this proposition for our Membership. Below, we have summarized (and paraphrased) our questions and the responses received.
- What is the ramification of a “Yes” vote?
A “Yes” vote places the responsibility of contracting for refuse hauling and disposal upon the Township. If approved, the timeline for awarding a contract and changeover is likely within about one year.
- Will a “No” vote kill this issue?
A “No” vote removes the issue from the agenda of Winfield Township only. It is likely that a “No” vote will not kill the issue but rather move it to the agenda of the DuPage County Board. Remember that the question on the proposition is “Shall Winfield Township be authorized to contract for refuse collection and disposal”, it does not exclude other legal authorities taking on this issue.
- Currently there are several haulers in our area operating under a multitude of agreements. What will be the terms for a single waste hauler to submit a bid to provide continuing service?
Specific terms for bidders have not been established. It is anticipated that a contract would be modeled after agreements of other Townships in the County that have refuse contracts already in place with possible adjustments as appropriate for this area.
- If a contract is awarded, would all residents be bound under the terms of agreement or could residents opt out?
Generally, all residents would be bound by the agreement although it may be possible to opt out with specific zoning designations (e.g. farm).
- If approved, is it a requirement that a contract be awarded or could all bids be rejected?
Generally, a contract will be awarded if the proposal satisfies all requirements of the Request for Proposal issued by the contracting authority (Township or County).
- Can votes be cast by all residents in Winfield Township or only those in areas designated as “unincorporated”?
Votes will only be received by voters residing in areas designated “unincorporated”.
West-Win hopes that this information helps to clarify the proposition on the ballot this March. Should anyone have other questions, please contact us at info@west-win.org or contact our elected officials directly.
- Nicole Prater: nprater@winfieldtownship.com – 630.231.3591
- Sheila Rutledge: rutledge@dupagecounty.gov – 630.221.0079
Please feel free to share this information with your neighbors. If they’d like to be added to West-Win’s email list please contact us at info@west-win.org.
West-Win Board of Directors