A 10-year recycling contract is once again under consideration in Clovis.

The city council on Monday will consider awarding the $5.5 million contract to Mid Valley Disposal, after months of back and forth over the nature of services.

In February, the city council delayed any vote, to consider additional proposals from Republic Services — which currently has the recycling contract expiring July 31 — and Caglia Environmental.  The city council also wanted to consider splitting residential and commercial recycling contracts.

To split the contracts, the city would need an interim renewal with Republic. The cost of the interim contract gave some councilmembers concern at the April 7 meeting, leading to Monday’s vote to go back to the original proposal with MVD.

Mid Valley Disposal proposed the lowest rate to the city, but it is still 20% higher than the current rate. The city bills residential recycling customers, then reimburses the hauler. Commercial customers are billed directly by the recycler. The city is already calculating a 4% a year residential rate increase.

Related Story: Clovis Council Has ‘Buyer’s Remorse’ Over Recycling Contract ...

Recycler Hosted Fundraiser for Pearce Last Year

Last year, Joe Kalpakoff — president and CEO of MVD — and his wife, Wendy Kalpakoff, hosted a fundraiser at their Clovis home for councilmember Diane Pearce. Campaign finance records show nonmonetary contributions from the Kalpakoffs of $250 ($125 each) for “event facility” of the June 5, 2024, fundraiser.

Pearce reported $13,850 in contributions from others on that date.

She is next up for election in 2026. In February, Pearce voted against reconsidering the contract, and earlier this month voted to reconsider the original deal with MVD.

Councilmembers would have to recuse from votes on items involving a party contributing more than $500 within the last year, based on state campaign finance law. Money over the limit could also be returned. The law initially set the limit at $250, but was raised to $500 starting this year.

Pearce said she will make the best decision for the residents of Clovis.

“I have received contributions from many people over the years, as have my colleagues. My only consideration when voting on any item is what is in the best interest of the people of Clovis,” Pearce told Politics 101.

Neither the Kalpakoffs nor MVD have made any other contribution since.

“As they have for many candidates for office, the Kalpakoffs hosted a reception nearly a year ago at their home,” MVD spokesperson Kacey Auston-Tibbetts said via text.

“We look forward to the council making a good decision for residents of Clovis  by agreeing to high-quality recycling and waste services at the best price for ratepayers with Mid Valley Disposal.”

A flyer for the Kalpakoffs hosting a fundraiser for Clovis City Councilmember Diane Pearce last year. Note: home addresses and phone numbers were redacted to protect privacy.

Caglia Has Doubts

Richard Caglia, the owner of Caglia Environmental, doubts that $250 in-kind contribution is accurate. He said renting another facility would cost way more.

“It just looks like it’s Operation Rezone number two waiting to happen.” — Richard Caglia, owner of Caglia Environmental

“It just looks like it’s Operation Rezone number two waiting to happen,” Caglia said.

Operation Rezone was a bribery scandal in the 1990s, affecting elected leaders and land-use consultants in Fresno and Clovis.

“This just goes to show you how brazen they are, like that’s bought and paid for,” Caglia said. “These kind of actions violate the spirit and intent of conflict of interest laws.”

Other Clovis Campaign Contributions

The Pearce-Kalpakoff transactions are the only such to take place between any councilmember and any of the three trash/recycling haulers under consideration since 2024, campaign finance records show.

Drew Bessinger does not have an open campaign account for a potential 2026 run, therefore he has not posted any campaign finance activity since 2023.

Fundraising documents for Matt Basgall show nothing raised in the last year.

Vong Mouanoutoua and Lynne Ashbeck ran for city council re-election in 2024. Neither posted any contributions from any of the haulers.

Senator Endorses Fresno City Council Candidate

California’s junior U.S. Senator is endorsing a candidate for Fresno City Council in 2026.

Adam Schiff, D-California, is supporting Nav Gurm in the 2026 District 7 race.

“Nav Gurm brings a thoughtful, forward-looking perspective to the Fresno City Council. He understands the challenges facing Fresno families and will be a tireless advocate for safer neighborhoods, affordable housing, and good-paying jobs that uplift our working families,” Schiff said in a news release.

Gurm said he was “honored” by the endorsement.

“Fresno’s future is bright, but only if we invest in our neighborhoods today. I’m dedicated to bringing new energy to City Hall, tackling immediate challenges like roads, parks, and public safety, while planning thoughtfully for long-term economic growth and opportunity. Together, we’ll ensure that District 7 thrives,” Gurm said.

Gurm and former City Hall staffer Ariana Martinez Lott filed to run and are raising money. Businessman AJ Rassamni said he will run, but has not filed yet.