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1222939027125

Molinari described the move as "foolish" and

Disputed garbage hauling hinted it would it expose the city to a lawsuit.
contract signed in "They are trying to shove this thing down the
Montebello people's throats," Molinari said. "They obviously
know the community is very much against this."

By Amanda Baumfeld, Staff Writer Vasquez said the mayor is obligated to sign all
city contracts. Because he didn't, she had to take
Article Launched: 09/15/2008 11:16:34 PM PDT
action.
MONTEBELLO - A councilwoman Monday took
the unusual step of signing a garbage hauling
On July 23, the Athens contract was approved on
contract that had been left unsigned by the
a 3-2 vote by council members Kathy Salazar,
mayor for a month.
Robert Urteaga and Vasquez. Molinari and
Councilwoman Mary Anne Saucedo- Rodriguez
Acting on the advice of City Attorney Arnold
voted against it.
Alvarez-Glasman, Rosie Vasquez, who serves as
the mayor pro tem, signed a 15-year exclusive
The decision immediately created controversy.
trash hauling contract with Athens Services
The contract names Athens as the only trash
Monday.
collector in the city. Currently, there are 13
different companies that collect garbage.
The contract is worth about $7.8 million annually
Independent trash haulers circulated a petition
and provides Montebello with a one-time
calling for a referendum to be placed on the
payment of $500,000 and 7.5 percent of gross
November ballot that would revoke Athens'
receipts from commercial accounts.
contract.
A 3-2 vote of the council approved the contract
The petition was turned into the city clerk with
on July23. Mayor Bill Molinari voted against the
6,324 signatures. It only required 2,550
proposal.
signatures, or 10 percent of the city's 25,496
registered voters.
"While I understand that he (Molinari) did not
vote for the contract, it is his duty as mayor to
A referendum is when an approved or proposed
implement the will of a majority of council,"
measure by a legislative body goes to a vote of
Vasquez said. "It is also important for the
the people.
reputation of our city that we not allow politics
to interfere with the legitimate business of the
Molinari cited Election Code 9237 and said he
city."
did not sign the contract because the referendum

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suspends the contract.

Election Code 9237 states if a petition

protesting the adoption of an ordinance is
submitted to the city clerk within 30 days of its
adoption and is signed by at least 10 percent of
voters then the effective date of the ordinance is
suspended.

"I have not refused to sign this document,"

Molinari said. "I have been mayor six times and I
understand my responsibility to sign documents."

Alvarez-Glasman said signing the contract will

have no bearing on the referendum.

"If it qualifies and stands with the anticipated

legal challenges and it goes to a vote, the
contract is suspended," Alvarez-Glasman said.
"This merely concludes the formality of the
execution of the contract."

amanda.baumfeld@sgvn.com

(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2108

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