Woodstock council asks staff to negotiate solid‑waste contracts after vendor presentations

Representatives from competing waste‑collection vendors answered council questions March 23 about truck sizes, glass recycling, bulk pickup scheduling and customer‑service capacity as part of the city’s RFP process. Waste‑collection vendors described options including single‑axle trucks for alleys, split‑body or rear‑loader configurations, and the ability to provide a second cart for residents who choose can‑only service.

Councilmembers probed service‑level issues such as response to missed pickups, spilled material mitigation, and equipment reliability. One councilmember suggested negotiating contracts with both finalists to secure the best terms and ensure enforceable service‑level agreements; others agreed that contract negotiations are where substantive protections for residents are clarified.

The council voted to table an award and asked staff to negotiate terms and return with an apples‑to‑apples comparison; the motion carried 5–0. Staff indicated they will attempt to present negotiated terms at the next meeting but cautioned timing could vary depending on supplier lead times for cans and equipment.