COBDEN — Norm Leblanc of NJL Services in Beachburg still doesn’t know why he was not awarded the curbside garbage pick-up contract for Whitewater Region Township, considering he had the lowest bid.
His bid for 2015-2019 was $562,570. The bid was awarded to Beaumen Waste Management in Renfrew at a cost of $597,354.
At last night’s council meeting, Joey Trimm and Vince Gervais spoke on behalf of Mr. Leblanc, who was at the delegate’s table, but chose not to speak to council, since it wasn’t a comfortable position for him to be in.
Mr. Trimm said he encouraged Mr. Leblanc to put in a tender.
He noted previous contractor Kevin Collins, who is from Westmeath, just completed his four-year contract with the township, and there was nothing but praise for how he collected the garbage.
Mr. Collins had no experience and no licence, but with the help of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski, the licence was acquired by the time the contract began, Mr. Trimm said.
Knowing the importance as a former councillor to keep taxes low, Mr. Trimm said Mr. Leblanc may not have had the necessary equipment or licence at the time he put in the tender, but noted he would have both in place if he was awarded the contract.
“Norm has been in business for a number of years,” Mr. Trimm said. “He has done a significant amount of business with people in the area.”
When it was too dangerous for municipal equipment to work at the Lookout, it was Mr. Leblanc the township hired and when Mr. Leblanc was hired to do work at the Westmeath arena, he charged only for the material.
“So when it’s a dangerous job, it’s okay for him; when it’s a difficult job, it’s okay for him; when it’s for free, it’s okay for him,” Mr. Trimm said.
“But when he bids, and is the lowest bidder, he gets turned down.
“That’s upsetting and he was given no reason.”
Mr. Trimm questioned if it was personal.
Mayor Hal Johnson said it was not personal.
“A lot of contractors are not successful in their bids,” he said.
He encouraged Mr. Leblanc to continue to bid on contracts he feels qualified for.
Prior to leaving the meeting, Mr. Leblanc provided copies of a petition signed mostly by people for whom he has done work
Outside council chambers, Mr. Leblanc said he spoke to a few council members and has only gotten the run-around. All he wants from council is a straight answer about why he was not awarded the contract.
