FleetRoute^TM Route Optimization Software Helps Emerald Coast Utilities Authority Successfully Launch New Trash/Recycling Collection Services 
Fast-Tracked Implementation of FleetRoute^TM Contributes to Efficient Routing and Smooth Transition

In late 2008, the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) in Pensacola, FL, added 13,000 customers, made changes to trash collection services, and added recycling collection services. With the challenge of these upcoming major changes, and with very little time to react, ECUA selected GBB and technology partner C2Logix to assist in streamlining the operation, reducing costs, and ensuring a smooth transition. The fast-tracked implementation of the FleetRoute^TM route optimization software resulted in balanced routes, reduced overtime, increased trash/recycling collection efficiency, and easier integration of new clients to existing routes.

"We were facing a great challenge, and GBB's route optimization project team greatly contributed to making the transition easier and successful," noted Randy Rudd, ECUA's Director of Sanitation. "We are now utilizing FleetRoute^TM for both residential and commercial routes. The software makes route creation easier and more efficient than manual routing, especially given our high-growth environment."

ECUA, with its fleet of 80 trucks, provides solid waste and yard trash collection to 65,000 residential properties and commercial businesses within the unincorporated areas of Escambia County, Florida. Near the end of 2008, ECUA won the contract for the northern area of Escambia County, adding an additional 13,000 customers. At this time, ECUA also changed to weekly trash collection from twice-a-week pickup and added weekly recycling collection. The GBB Project Team was able to incorporate the new customers, set up weekly recycling, and make the change to weekly collection in just over a month.

Since recycling collection was new to ECUA's customers, GBB added new customers and updated the recycling routes on a weekly basis for a month, with approximately 4,000 customers added each week. GBB then prepared the ECUA's data for use with FleetRoute^TM, and staff was trained to use the software and create/update routes in-house. GBB also implemented the Route Looker-Upper^TM, a web-based tool allowing residents to look up their new trash collection date.

Related Web Links:

>> FleetRoute information
>>Selected GBB Collection & Route Optimization Project Descriptions

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Updates from the Guam Receiver
GBB Completes First Year of Receivership

In a Court Order dated March 17, 2008, U.S. District Court Judge Frances M. Tydingco-Gatewood appointed GBB to be Receiver with full responsibility for bringing the Guam Solid Waste Management Division into compliance with the 2004 Consent Decree for violation of the Clean Water Act. The latest information about the receivership is available at: www.GuamSolidWasteReceiver.org

Start of Layon Landfill Construction
On January 30, a contract in the amount of $8,360,000 was awarded, following an Invitation for Bid, to Guam-based Maeda Pacific Corporation for construction of the Landfill Operations Road and Mass Grading for Cells 1 and 2. Construction began February 25, 2009.

Special Report
On February 5, 2009, the Receiver submitted its comments on the Government of Guam's Response to the Receiver's Proposed Financing Plan. The Report concluded by reiterating that the Receiver continues to believe that certainty of capital funding is a fundamental and essential requirement of compliance with the Consent Decree. The Receiver stood by its recommendations to the Court for a cash payment plan, and added that it has always preferred and clearly stated its belief that a financing plan based on Section 30 backed revenue bonds is the best approach and the approach that is least disruptive to the Government of Guam and in the best interests of the people of Guam.

Court Order Requiring Government to Deposit Nearly $1M/week for Landfill Projects
On February 13, 2009, the District Court of Guam Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood issued an order requiring the government of Guam to begin weekly deposits of nearly $1M for the landfill projects. On March 23, the Government started to comply with the Court Order with an initial payment of approximately $4M to account for the current and past 3 missed payments. Subsequent to this Order the Guam Legislature authorized Section 30 backed Bonds and the Court suspended the weekly payments pending the sale of the bonds.

Community Meetings for Residential Services
In March 2009, three community meetings were held with Guam residents. The meetings were intentionally small in order to provide opportunities for candid, in-depth discussion of solid waste issues and the residential trash cart rollout plans. A series of stakeholder discussions was also held to obtain input from a select number of Mayors, environmentalists, school officials, business representatives and media regarding the Receiver's plans for implementing a new, cart-based collection system for customers of the SWMD.

>> View full report of the small group discussions

Transfer Stations Changing Schedule to Increase Convenience for Residents
As of April 5, 2009, the 3 Guam transfer stations are now open on Sundays and Mondays and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Based on feedback from Guam's Mayors and residents, the new schedule is more convenient for residents and will be an improvement for the entire community.

Quarterly Report
On April 14, 2009, the Receiver submitted its fourth Quarterly Report to the U.S. District Court of Guam.

RFP for Customer Service System
On April 22, 2009, a Request for Proposal was issued to purchase a customer service software for Guam's Solid Waste Division. This software will allow customer service representatives to accurately and quickly respond and track customers' needs.

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