City manager says hiring All-Out Sewer for city project was a mistake

City staff hired All-Out Sewer and Drain to clear sewage lines near the city shop facility on Oregon Way. City Manager Bob Gregory said that was a staff mistake.

“Our facility maintenance staff picked up the phone book — I assumed our staff was aware that there was an outstanding fine, maybe they weren’t aware — but they made that decision and I have since informed all our staff formally we should not use their services,” until fines are paid in full and all other violations are taken care of, Gregory said.

The work was small, at less than $1,000, Gregory said, and was not done through a contract.

Separately from a federal sentencing now in appeal, All-Out was fined $11,000 by the city. The company paid the fine Tuesday afternoon, in addition to $1,132 in outstanding testing billings. Despite the payments, Gregory said there are still are other non-financial matters that have to be dealt before the company can do business with city again.

All-Out is now licensed and operated by Joanne Caldwell. She received the license in February following her husband Ray Caldwell’s license suspension in January.

Joanne Caldwell said in a phone interview Tuesday that the fine was not past due, and that the notice of the fine arrived April 22.

“There’s no reason why the city of Longview shouldn’t be doing business with us,” she said. “We’re trying to keep jobs out there and support the community.

“I’m trying as hard as I can ... And I’m going to keep trying.”

Jeff Wilson, president of the portable toilet rental company TPI, said the city should have given the work to contractors in good standing.

“There are at least six other contractors that are licensed in the community and that could have done that work as well,” he said. “None of them owe the city fines or restitution at this point, as far as I know.”