Board approves hauling agreement to remove storm mulch, staff says cheaper than landfill disposal

The board approved an add‑on hauling agreement on Sept. 4 to remove storm‑generated mulch and debris, a measure staff said will reduce disposal costs and divert material to reuse instead of the landfill.

Terry Sikora of Public Works explained that the city has a large pile of ground mulch from storm cleanup and sought a hauling vendor to remove it and reprocess it for use as animal bedding and other reused products. Terry said the vendor's rate would be about $4.50 per load compared with a landfill option that would cost more per load and incur additional disposal fees. "This company wants as much as we can produce of mulch, and, they're gonna haul it out, take as much as we want," Terry said. He estimated the city currently has roughly 70 to 80 loads of ground mulch on hand.

Alex, the city's legal counsel, reported that changes were made to the draft agreement to clarify what "per load" means and that the vendor's minimum per‑load quantity is 120 cubic yards; he recommended approval. The mayor moved approval and the board voted to approve the hauling agreement. Staff said the agreement will position the city to seek FEMA reimbursement for eligible storm cleanup costs once documentation requirements are met.

Board members praised the cost savings and environmental benefit of diverting mulch for reuse rather than landfill disposal. Staff will finalize the agreement, confirm vendor logistics and proceed with the FEMA reimbursement process as appropriate.