Council directs valet/porter option be allowed in solid‑waste RFP for pedestrian mall

Councilmember Mary Mendoza asked city staff to add a provision to the city’s request for proposals for solid‑waste collection to allow a “valet” or porter service for downtown businesses that want on‑site collection.

Jordan, the city’s R3 consultant, told the council a valet model “is someone who comes to a multifamily or a big mixed‑use or commercial property, collects the trash on site, and then takes it to a central location for service.” Staff stressed the recommendation was to allow — not to require — valet providers so that proposers that do not offer the service are not disqualified. Councilmember Solorio and others said the option should be evaluated as a value‑added service rather than a new mandatory obligation for haulers.

After questions about evaluation and possible separate procurement for a porter service, the council directed staff to include language in the RFP allowing third‑party valet collection in the pedestrian mall area and approved moving forward with the RFP. The motion passed on a roll call vote with all members voting yes.