Following several discussions aimed at fine tuning St. Charles Parish’s anticipated five-year garbage collection contract, the council chose Houma-based Pelican Waste and Debris as the new service provider Monday.

Residents will pay the same rate as they are paying now – $16.69 a month per household. Of that total, $11.95 will be paid to the contractor with the difference covering landfill fees.

St. Charles Parish President Larry Cochran got unanimous approval (Councilman Billy Woodruff could not attend the meeting because of health issues) to sign the contract with the change effective May 1.

Councilwoman Mary Clulee said the start date will allow Pelican Waste about five months to purchase the equipment to serve the parish.

The company will “start with new equipment – that’s important,” Clulee said. “And they’re already an established company. It always takes a little while to get your routine perfected, but I think it will be a welcome change.”

Clulee added the company operates in 10 parishes.

Clulee added the council will address curbside recycling at a later date.

Councilwoman Julia Fisher-Perrier said Pelican Waste had the lowest bid.

Pelican Waste did not have a representative at the meeting. The company website states it is owned and operated by Roddie Matherne; Chris Lapeyre; Corey Callais, Nicholas Callais and Harold Callais.  It also says the team has 100 years experience collectively.

In August, Council Chairwomen Wendy Benedetto said the council was dedicating time in its Legislative Committee meetings to making a more specific bid proposal for garbage pickup service.

The move came after numerous resident complaints about the current provider, Waste Connections, formerly Progressive Waste Service. Complaints focused on broken trucks for services gaps.

Bids were accepted in October.

Source: St. Charles Herald Guide