The O'Fallon City Council is distancing itself from the idea that it ever considered selling the city's trash pickup and recycling services.

A resolution adopted by a 7-2 vote Thursday "clarifies" the direction the council wants city staff to take in hiring a consultant to evaluate the city-operated Environmental Services Division.

The resolution directs staff to focus the consultant's efforts on independently reviewing operations, including salaries, efficiencies and equipment, "to ensure that the city is getting the greatest value" out of the system.

The resolution specifies the city is proceeding with the review "with no intent to sell" the system.

Councilman Jim Pepper, Ward 2, introduced the resolution. During a workshop before the council meeting, he said he wanted to remove the "for sale" cloud hanging over the process.

In a controversial move two months ago, the council directed staff to hire a consultant to develop a request for proposals for the possible sale of the trash and recycling operation and its assets, which include a transfer station. The consultant would evaluate the department to determine its potential value. The staff would first develop a request for qualifications outlining what it expected from the consultant.

Pepper's resolution changes those expectations. The idea of selling the division is no longer part of the council's directive, he said.

City Administrator Keith Riesberg said staff would proceed with developing the request for qualifications to hire a consultant but would not ask the consultant to develop a request for proposals. Instead, the consultant would evaluate the department's assets to determine how it could increase efficiency and maximize its value, Riesberg said.

Some council members called Pepper's resolution "confusing." Councilman Mark Perkins, Ward 5, asked Pepper whether selling the trash and recycling service was "on the table or off the table." It was the final council meeting for Perkins, who announced his resignation last month.

Pepper answered, "I'm against a potential sale. I've said that over and over."

Councilman Jeff Schwentker, Ward 4, urged Pepper to remove the resolution from the agenda, saying it would tie the council's hands. After receiving information from the consultant's evaluation, the council should be free to consider outsourcing or selling the trash and recycling services, Schwentker said.

Pepper said nothing in his resolution would limit the information the council would receive or the actions it could take.

As originally proposed, Pepper's resolution did not include the phrase "with no intent to sell." Councilman John Haman Jr., Ward 3, proposed to add those words, saying they were necessary to make the intent clear. Pepper seconded Haman's motion.

Pepper, Haman, Perkins and members Rose Mack, Ward 2; Richard Battelle, Ward 3; Bob Howell, Ward 4; and Mike Pheney, Ward 5, voted for the resolution. Schwentker and Bill Gardner, Ward 1, voted no. Councilman Rick Lucas, Ward 1, was absent.