Council reviews draft waste‑disposal ordinance and debates $14,000 street repairs amid tight city finances

The council reviewed a draft waste‑disposal ordinance that would clarify what items sanitation will pick up at the curb, set limits on bulk pickups and align local policy with state exclusions (electronics and appliances containing refrigerants, for example). Staff asked councilors to review the draft and return it for adoption at a future meeting; one suggestion from staff and the landfill director was to consider designated pickup days for certain large items.

On street repairs, staff presented an engineer’s quote of about $14,000 to fix potholes on three streets (Springdale, Little Rock Road and Tulip Circle) and asked whether to waive competitive bidding for prompt repairs. Several council members warned the street fund supports department operations (payroll, fuel, lights and equipment) and asked for a caucus and fuller financial guidance before using a large portion of the fund for paving projects. The clerk reported a street fund balance of approximately $303,000 and monthly receipts of about $50–60k, but council members noted the account also supports ongoing department costs and emergency reserves.

Council agreed to further review the waste ordinance and to hold a caucus to examine budget priorities and available balances before taking final action on the street-repair waiver.