WELLMAN

What could have been a simple rubber-stamp continuing the city’s relationship with Cox Sanitation and Recycling turned into a two-meeting discussion that played out more like a sporting event, with N&N Sanitation coming out the surprise winner Monday night. The trophy: a five-year contract with the City of Wellman starting Dec. 1, 2025, for trash and recycling services.

The matter might have been decided at the Wellman City Council’s March 3 meeting, where continuing to work with Cox was the obvious choice, but folks from N&N and Dusty’s Disposal showed up at the meeting, arguing for the advantages their companies could provide. Those points gave the council pause, so they tabled the decision and returned to it on March 17, where again, council members showed up favoring Cox.

“I think we’re fortunate to have an interest, and be able to have comparison, and so, grateful for that,” council member Fern Bontrager said, but she still favored Cox. “Not only do we have an established relationship, but I feel like they’ve really worked with us over the years, and that’s something I respect.”

The bid from Cox was the lowest for both residential trash pickup and city dumpsters. The new contract would require residents to use 65-gallon bins rather than purchase garbage bags as they have been, and Cox would purchase a new truck to empty the bins automatically, a new process for them.

Other council members agreed with Bontrager until representatives of N&N pointed out their “extensive experience” with automated collection from bins. They pointed out how automated trucks are more problematic and require more maintenance, but because “this is our bread and butter,” they are prepared with backup trucks if needed.

A representative of Dusty’s Disposal got into the debate, causing council members to contemplate truck size, wear and tear on roads, reliability and experience as well as cost.

Cost was a sticking point, as N&N would cost some $7,500 more than Cox per year; the cost for residential pick up was the same, but Cox provided city dumpsters at no cost, whereas N&N charged for them. When N&N said they could reconsider the dumpster fees, the council tipped in their direction, although with some remorse for Cox.

“I feel bad ending a long-term relationship and not giving Cox the chance to make the switch,” council member Aaron Fleming said.

Council member Angela Stutzman said her main concern was residents who have already seen their other bills increase and are worried about garbage rates rising as well. “I just want us to remember, we have to think about the residents of Wellman and how this affects them,” she said.

Ultimately the council voted 4-0 to award the contract to N&N Sanitation, under the assumption they would provide the city dumpsters at no charge.

Other Action

The council approved the promotion of Shirely Brown from assistant to head cook at Goodwin Senior Dining, as Anita Kanagy will retire after 17 years of service.

The council approved the CDBG Contract and required acknowledgement of environmental review requirements for the city’s watermain project. The city was awarded $500,000 in grant funds from the CDBG program to replace select watermains.

The council approved putting the now city-owned residential property at 818 10th Avenue out for bids so that the city can stipulate how the property is dealt with.

The council tabled action on estimates to clean and paint tennis courts at North Park.

The Wellman City Council will next meet on Monday, April 7 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.