To: All Signature of Solon Residents

From: The Signature of Solon Master Association Board of Trustees

Re: Trash Pick-up and Waste removal

There have been many questions to members of the Board concerning articles in the local papers regarding trash pick-up in our community. The purpose of the this note is to clarify the current situation.

Sometime during the fall of 2005 a contract for waste removal in our neighborhood was negotiated with BFI. Sometime between now and then the Allied Waste Company merged or purchased BFI.

In March of this year we were notified that the monthly price per home for trash pick-up would double adding roughly $20,000 to $25,000 in additional annual expense (depending upon how many homes recycle) to our Homeowners’ Association. The manner in which the notice came indicated to us that the contract was renewing.

Since the increase was so high the Board of Trustees went out for bid and secured pricing from the Waste Management Company, Glynos Disposal, Metro and the City of Solon. After reviewing the pricing (all less expensive than BFI/Allied) it was determined that the City of Solon was at least 26% cheaper than the next lowest bidder.

We then sent Allied Waste a 60 day cancellation notice.  They have responded by saying that our current contract does not expire until October of 2008 and that per the contract they have a right to a rate increase.  We currently have the Association’s attorney reviewing the original BFI contract to advise the Board what our options are.

The net effect of all of this is that BFI (Allied Waste) is still performing the service in the neighborhood.  We will communicate to all of you once we know definitely the who, when, what, and how of any changes (if any) that are going to be made.