Jemison’s city council on Monday approved a bid to enter into a contract for garbage pick-up with Longwood, Fla.-based Waste Pro.

The contract is dependent upon approval from Jemison’s attorney, but Waste Pro’s bid, the lowest of four entered for the service, was approved unanimously by the council members present, which did not include Sam Reed, who was absent because of medical reasons, Mayor Eddie Reed said.

Waste Pro’s service would begin at the beginning of the 2011 calendar year, and the council requested that residential trash be picked up on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which Waste Pro representative Todd White said could be accommodated.

White said his company could remove Jemison’s trash in less than two full days, though there would likely be an initial transition period, with pick-up possibly taking all week, while routes are determined and all customers located.

Waste Pro entered a bid of $12 per standard residential customer pick-up. More would be charged for businesses and for customers who require more than one 95-gallon bin or who desire “backdoor pick-up.”

Jemison residents will see no change in their garbage bill.

The council agreed to a three-year contract.

Mayor Reed said the three city employees responsible for collecting garbage would remain employed and assigned to other duties.

In other business, the council:

•Approved a one-year, $1,075 contract with Active Air to service the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning system in the city’s Municipal Complex.

Reed said the contract covers all work and parts associated with the system.
•Canceled the council meeting scheduled for Dec. 20. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Jan. 3.

•Added Byron Lindsey Oliver to the police reserve, with the recommendation of Police Chief Shane Fulmer and dependent on Oliver completing the necessary training requirements.

•Recognized councilwoman Faye King for her work in organizing the city’s Christmas parade, which was held on Dec. 4.