[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6641181,"mediaKeyId","2547329-a6ec5c397e300d1d9010ada6012f713f","parentId",2547329,"title","Eau Claire council debates options for trash collection: single hauler, municipal service, zones and composting","audioSeconds",296,"startMs",2976000,"endMs",3272000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2547329-a6ec5c397e300d1d9010ada6012f713f&start=2976&end=3272","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2547329-a6ec5c397e300d1d9010ada6012f713f/thumbnail_2976000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6641181/Eau-Claire-City/Eau-Claire-County/Wisconsin/Eau-Claire-council-debates-options-for-trash-collection-single-hauler-municipal-service-zones-and-composting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641181-eadf0d94b3f84a08ff2162c867e6d4a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775643268&Signature=DObyFHaLGMMfqpHEVFCQDlAYLs0Uvm2vMFubbIFjUU3wDm-f8w1XLxvfMeLDOi7jCp7sAAvuBH7r6qjEQvkyaGRnEU5X1tnE5jIashdumgrYbBk6vbbSL61~0ZGeA7qewpfdlocwiGANaBYujrBztZwIrCnVjDdZs0FB8pYJs6bqV~b8aXQ2t1w43PuhTGUU58xSlmKGx0zAWeWKybjrIih5Ng02gLhizeqXV0o~CQaAuPtTyOEc5bDfLk-xZCVj5JC7cF2v8zwpw0W8pHMIFnEpfi3gTEcU-jBMOjFEFn7Q3m8eeNadlclp8y1I37GNTR4lxacJKl0M4LXrOfvQOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Euclaire ","date","2025-03-10T18:00:00Z","article","City staff led a work-session discussion March 10 on options to change residential trash collection in Eau Claire after a Wisconsin Policy Forum study compared the city’s open-market system to peer communities.

Staff summarized the study, public feedback and operational complaints since the pandemic. They said the system’s complaint profile has shifted from missed pickups during staffing shortages to neighborhood-quality complaints—trash storage visibility and unsecured containers. Staff noted the pandemic-era service gap: haulers self-reported a 33% miss rate in the second pandemic year and a 0.8% miss rate in the most recent year.

The study found Eau Claire residential trash costs about 30% higher than the study’s peer communities. Staff and council discussed several response options: (1) do nothing and improve the current system; (2) change ordinances to allow biweekly recycling/trash and broaden composting; (3) limit the number of haulers or create licensing/district rules so each zone has a single hauler; (4) have the city contract with one or more haulers and bill as a utility; or (5) municipalize service (city-owned trucks, crews and carts).

Staff emphasized constraints and trade-offs. Municipalizing would require large up-front capital for trucks, carts and a maintenance facility; staff offered rough cost indicators from the discussion: garbage trucks in modern configurations were estimated at roughly $500,000–$750,000 each, and cart procurement for the city’s customer base could run into the low millions. The city’s debt policy (a 3.5% council guideline and a 5% state statutory ceiling was cited) and other planned capital projects—PFAS treatment and wastewater work—limit the city’s bonding capacity.

Smaller haulers and local business owners urged maintaining a competitive market. Jaycee Mullen, owner and CEO of Trash on Trucks, said small local haulers lack the capital to be the sole vendor for a city-wide single-hauler contract and that a single-hauler model could leave only two large nonlocal companies as viable bidders. “If there was a single hauler presented, I believe the majority of us smaller people would be pretty against it,” Mullen said.

Council members voiced a range of preferences. Councilmember Bristow said she would be “very hesitant” about a single-hauler contract and expressed interest in a municipal option that includes provisions to preserve equity for smaller local operators. Several council members favored expanding composting access and adjusting pickup schedules—biweekly recycling or trash pickup—and some suggested zoning the city into districts to reduce the number of trucks on given streets and to limit wear on residential pavement.

Staff flagged several ordinance limitations cited in public feedback: current city code requires weekly pickup (which prevents biweekly collection) and prohibits hauling compost across lot lines (limiting neighborhood drop-off or community compost sites). The health department noted that biweekly collection does not generally create additional human-health hazards if residents bag trash, close lids and are educated on handling biohazards; the department recommended pairing any move to biweekly pickup with stronger diversion programs (composting and recycling) and public education.

Staff outlined next steps: gather further public feedback at a community meeting, meet with the haulers for technical input, bring revised ordinance language to council and, if council directs, prepare more detailed financial modeling for municipalization or a utility-billing option. No formal policy change or vote was taken on March 10; staff said they will return with options and public meeting dates for further council direction.

The meeting drew multiple public speakers on the topic: Mary Anne Cough (neighborhood resident and operator of Earthbound Environmental Solutions) urged repeal of a weekly-pickup ordinance and argued biweekly pickup suits low-waste households; Jaycee Mullen (Trash on Trucks) warned that a single-hauler contract could eliminate small local providers; and others discussed composting, districting and the question of how to fund enforcement and licensing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Euclaire - City Council Meeting - Monday - Mar 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff reviewed a year-long study of the city’s open-market trash system and presented options including minor ordinance changes, district contracting, a single hauler, or full municipalization; councilmembers and local haulers weighed in on costs, equity and environmental goals.","taxTitle","Eau Claire City, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin","taxId",4140,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641187,"Eau Claire councilors debate resolution urging Congress to protect Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP and Social Security",111,593000,704000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2547329-a6ec5c397e300d1d9010ada6012f713f&start=593&end=704","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2547329-a6ec5c397e300d1d9010ada6012f713f/thumbnail_593000.jpg","/articles/6641187/Eau-Claire-City/Eau-Claire-County/Wisconsin/Eau-Claire-councilors-debate-resolution-urging-Congress-to-protect-Medicaid-Medicare-SNAP-and-Social-Security","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641187-ffa3b15bee9fabe60421fa71d63c1836/orig.mp4?Expires=1775643268&Signature=eoBKXWSmNfle~Be~8v81x~fqm2SNsThOpgkk6oTkKy5Dn5dASSNi2HdXe76tQ5Do4UuenG0UKU0MqtdMQ-wBoo8MRLjSupMTz-TT5B~mbIg-JZy5rzcDnC9CQTVCuqVcad-wUfllvZ7IUcAA-tuha0XiXlFgx3QnV4tb~oFeMA2FUPfzLIGzWrTqddWK8fX85EHsmzpp8b4twQJlf8fvQ--hsOXxwDrFmkiKxDFzHkW-NdO5mhZ6SW4aNgTqvN5j7XA17hs5ITZIrJSLSWOLBnJFaZJysIeYmFMDLlqM33wCo81oR8dQR-iajfZxbKnjPgS87GUgTlKESk4DSfMSPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmembers Worthman and Jones introduced a resolution March 10 urging the U.S. Congress to reject proposals that would make large cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Social Security. Council discussion and public testimony emphasized the local reliance on those programs and plans for how the city would share the resolution if it passes.

Worthman told the council that a federal budget “road map” passed by Congress included language asking the House Energy and Commerce Committee to look at ways to cut those programs, and she said those potential cuts are “without a doubt concerning.” The resolution cites local figures: Worthman said roughly 22% of Eau Claire residents use some form of Medicaid, and that in 2022 “SNAP was used by roughly 10,000 residents.”

Council members asked about next steps if the resolution passes; staff said the approved resolution would be shared with Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) and other members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, and with the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. Worthman said the purpose is both to inform federal lawmakers and to start a local conversation about the potential effects on city services and residents.

A string of residents and advocates addressed the council in favor of the resolution. Sharon Dillon summarized how FoodShare (Wisconsin’s SNAP program) and SSI allowed her to move into subsidized housing and support family members; she said those benefits restored a sense of independence. “Without SSI and Medicaid, my child… would not be able to get doctor appointments, would not be able to get fuel for his car to stay warm in the Wisconsin winters,” Dillon told the council.

Julia Benker said Medicaid has been essential for her ongoing mental health care and for the families she serves as a child-care provider. Jeremy Gregert, speaking for Citizen Action of Wisconsin, encouraged residents to contact Rep. Van Orden’s Eau Claire office and promoted a “Hands Off Medicaid” town hall at Chippewa Valley Technical College on March 25.

Several speakers asked the council to coordinate with local rallies and events. Council members noted a rally scheduled at CVTC the evening the council is expected to take formal action on the resolution. The transcript records this item as a public discussion; Worthman said the council will consider the resolution for action at the council meeting the next day (a March 11 work session referenced in the meeting).

The council did not record a vote on March 10. If adopted, staff said the resolution would be distributed to the congressional delegation, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and other stakeholders as appropriate.

The council’s meeting packet includes the resolution text and the staff memo listing the recipients for distribution if the council approves the measure.","Councilmembers introduced a resolution asking Congress to reject deep cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP and Social Security; dozens of residents spoke in favor during the public hearing, sharing personal stories and details about local reliance on those programs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641192,"Eau Claire holds public hearing on planned sidewalk repairs at 25 locations",115,108000,223000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2547329-a6ec5c397e300d1d9010ada6012f713f&start=108&end=223","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2547329-a6ec5c397e300d1d9010ada6012f713f/thumbnail_108000.jpg","/articles/6641192/Eau-Claire-City/Eau-Claire-County/Wisconsin/Eau-Claire-holds-public-hearing-on-planned-sidewalk-repairs-at-25-locations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641192-2ed74549b3eac433750f3babba146546/orig.mp4?Expires=1775643268&Signature=Oy6bqSFtpoG0Q09xYwvNBf3eRtNEl77wpr0~s9dewJJV~Ta8POknur-SRbCG53eEeh4xWzYNaUZfhHx2BDMm1B3dxlC88NQWr3kJM07pwH6s~imakg2KYVPS24qmphbpi8rPwIvSuN7mrbwWGh9ZuZ2L-r73bhXuIZByuEGUpWxx1koF5Si2SOUiOU0H2Pz4FZvuxl2QiPFIC5VtpzNgU0Dw-bgYxg9fsx2K6Fuv5lfkDqRLm4b5qDbmvZoMssEbpdjPica~xbmS9HbLvIZrvA7fTDIDqMkSatLnjxsEWHQV5hwoBOFEPZ3ATNvLlNEmKdwz-2BEwgrQ4UQeRXTblg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Eau Claire City Council on March 10 held a public hearing on the city’s intent to order repair and installation of sidewalks and curb-and-gutter work at 25 locations beginning with 420 Gilbert Avenue under Wisconsin Statutes section 66.0907.

The hearing focused on the city’s long-running sidewalk replacement program, how properties are added to the list and how assessments are calculated. City engineering staff described typical defects—trip-hazard cracking, heaving and single-panel failures—and showed before-and-after photos of concrete replacement and gap filling.

Director Nesk, the city’s presenter on the item, said properties are added after a technician inspects reported problems. She said the city’s contracts include a warranty period for concrete work and that the city applies a lifespan when assessing properties. “I believe concrete sidewalk is 25 or 30 years,” Nesk said, adding that if the city must replace a panel that was installed recently “we would prorate the assessment.”

Council members asked staff to clarify what a “sidewalk gap” means; Nesk explained that some older developments were built without continuous sidewalks and the program fills missing connections where sidewalk exists on either side of a lot. She also described the program’s calendar: properties reported up to Dec. 31 are included in the next year’s contract; owners who request inclusion after that deadline must petition to be added to the following year’s contract.

No one from the public spoke during the hearing. City staff noted that two property owners had called with questions about cost estimates and whether assessments would be charged; staff said those concerns were discussed with the homeowners before the hearing. The transcript records no vote or formal action on the hearing during the March 10 meeting.

The city’s presentation materials, including the list of the 25 locations and photos of typical sidewalk defects, are available on the council’s agenda webpage.

The council proceeded to other business after the hearing; further council action on specific assessments was not recorded in the March 10 transcript.","City staff presented the annual citywide sidewalk replacement program and answered questions about assessments, warranties and how properties are added to the list; no public commenters appeared for the hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Eau Claire council debates options for trash collection: single hauler, municipal service, zones and composting

Eau Claire councilors debate resolution urging Congress to protect Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP and Social Security

Eau Claire holds public hearing on planned sidewalk repairs at 25 locations