French Quarter trash contract heads to council — again
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The contract includes picking up trash and power-washing. Photo: Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images
The French Quarter trash saga returns to the New Orleans City Council this week, with the two haulers saying they've resolved their differences and want to move forward.
Why it matters: The council is in a legal battle over who gets the lucrative job of cleaning the city's most popular neighborhood.
The big picture: Troy Henry of Henry Consulting asked council members Tuesday to end the temporary contract with IV Waste and vote on the original contract with his company.
- The multiyear contract is worth nearly $75 million to pick up trash in the French Quarter and Downtown Development District.
- Councilman Eugene Green says he will bring the discussion to the full council Thursday.
Catch up quick: Henry, a businessman who is also spearheading the redevelopment of the old Six Flags, won the contract through his firm.
- The council needs to approve it for it to go into effect.
- They held off on voting in December after questions came up about the deal.
- Henry now is suing the council for taking away the bid due to "unfounded allegations" about the subcontract work, according to WDSU.
Zoom in: Henry's initial bid subbed trash pickup to Richard's Disposal, but they parted ways over a payment dispute.
- Richard's Disposal then sued Henry while Henry found another subcontractor.
- But on Tuesday, Henry and Alvin Richard Jr. of Richard's Disposal told council members they worked things out and want to execute their original contract.
- They didn't say what had changed.
Yes, but: IV's contract doesn't end until December.
- Councilmember Freddie King III, who represents the French Quarter, said residents seem happy with the work and he'd prefer to let IV finish before changing haulers again.
- "I don't feel comfortable pressing pause, bringing a new team in when you have French Quarter Fest ... coming up in just a few weeks," he said in Tuesday's meeting.
What's next: The council will discuss and possibly vote on the contract at its regular meeting at 10am Thursday. Watch it live.