Recap: 4/14/26 Special City Council Meeting
Meeting Summary
City Council voted to proceed with all 6 waste haulers currently in contention for the contract. EDCO, CR&R, Universal, Athens, Valley Vista, and Republic will have an opportunity to revise their proposals
Public Comments
Mayor Jung began the meeting by requesting public comments on the item. Valley Vista’s CEO, David Perez, asked for another opportunity to make a proposal. Jeff Otter, Craig Park East HOA, spoke about how the rates will impact HOAs. An associate of CR&R highlighted key benefits within their proposal. One resident spoke on their support for unlimited bulk pickups. Myself and Andrew Rey spoke on the potential conflict of interest with Valley Vista Services, given that they have made a contribution of $15,000 to a local PAC that has spent heavily in recent races.
Council Discussion
Councilmember Charles asked the City Attorney whether the alleged conflict of interest would require recusals. The attorney stated that, under the Levine Act, direct contributions to campaigns within a year require recusals. Donations to PACs do not. Charles expressed support for union labor, stating it fits the ethos of the city. She said, since the companies were given the opportunity to revise their offers and the scoring appeared fair, she would support narrowing the list to the top 3 (EDCO, CR&R, Universal) plus the incumbent (Republic).
Councilmember Zahra asked staff whether the companies being considered have experience serving cities of Fullerton’s size or larger. Staff did not have that information readily available. Zahra expressed concerns with potential disruptions to service and negative impacts to the local workforce when switching haulers. He stated his support for a unionized company given their ability to carry over the existing workforce. Lastly, he stated that he wants to allow the incumbent, Republic Services, an opportunity to provide a counter offer. He spoke on their unlimited bulk pickup policy, extensive experience with large cities, and the importance of minimizing disruptions to services. He supported narrowing the list to EDCO, CR&R, and Republic Services.
Councilmember Valencia asked what the ranking would be if staff took rates out of the calculation. Staff said that the rates factor in about 20% of the total score, so removing that criteria would significantly change the rankings. They stated Athens would be one of the top haulers in this scenario given that they scored very high in multiple categories while scoring very low in rates.
Mayor Pro Tem Dunlap spoke about how he has concerns with particulars about how commercial and residential services differ. He said his priority is pricing. Dunlap expressed support for narrowing the list and providing the incumbent, Republic Services, an opportunity to counteroffer.
Mayor Jung asked what the ranking would be when only considering pricing. Staff stated the ranking of the top 3 in pricing would be NASA (no longer in contention), Universal, then Valley Vista. Mayor Jung made the motion to allow all 6 companies to remain in contention, with an opportunity to revise their offers. Staff asked for clearer direction given that these were comprehensive and revised offers. Jung didn’t provide clarification.
Jung Ends Meeting Without Taking A Vote
Following the back and forth with staff, Mayor Jung adjourned the meeting despite not taking a vote on the item. Councilmember Charles, who was participating through zoom, logged off. The City Attorney told Jung that they need to call for a vote, which Jung then did. The vote to proceed with all 6 companies was passed 3-1 (Zahra opposed). Charles was not present due to the confusion with the adjournment.
