Commission approves Waste Management purchase order amid protests, directs staff to seek alternatives

The commission approved an expenditure not to exceed $1,650,000 to continue solid waste landfill services under the city’s existing Waste Management contract, but the vote exposed deep misgivings among several commissioners about the vendor and the length of the contract term.

Why it matters: Solid waste disposal is an essential service; disruption could leave streets full of debris. Several commissioners registered protest votes and criticized Waste Management and its parent freight/rail partner over uncovered rail cars and local nuisance impacts.

Deputy City Manager and interim public works director Davus Johnson told the commission that refusal would disrupt service and described steps staff are taking to reduce illegal dumping and curb misuse, including targeted camera deployment, GIS hotspot mapping and closer coordination with code enforcement. Commissioners acknowledged the city already adjusted residential refuse fees in October to offset cost increases. Several commissioners said they will oppose any long‑term renewal without improved vendor responsiveness; others argued the city must preserve uninterrupted service while soliciting alternatives.

Vote and next steps: Motion to approve the PO passed by roll call after debate; commissioners directed staff to prepare an RFP and begin exploring alternative vendors and negotiation strategies so the city can move away from the current contract when terms allow. One commissioner said he would cast a protest vote to record opposition to the vendor’s conduct while still voting to preserve service continuity.

Attribution: Davus Johnson is deputy city manager and interim public works director.