Committee tables ordinance that would let public works revoke curbside trash service for repeated violations

The Committee on Bills on Second Reading of the Manchester Board Mayor & Aldermen on Wednesday tabled consideration of an ordinance amendment that would authorize the Department of Public Works to revoke a property’s eligibility for municipal curbside trash collection for "good cause," including multiple violations of the city’s solid-waste chapter.

Supporters said the change is intended to give Public Works enforcement tools where fines have not prompted compliance, while several aldermen pushed for clearer numeric thresholds and an explicit appeals timeline before revocations take effect.

At the committee meeting, Tim, director of the Department of Public Works, told aldermen the proposed amendment was prompted by repeated nonpayment and noncompliance by some property owners and landlords. "The Department of Public Works has no teeth associated with property owners who have multiple violations," he said. "We can continue to fine them until we're blue in the face, and they don't have to pay those fines." He said the department is prepared to work with the city solicitor’s office to add clearer definitions, such as a specific number of violations or unpaid fines that would trigger revocation.

Aldermen asked that any authorization to stop service include protections for public health and a clear appeal mechanism. "If we stop picking up their trash ... my concern is health — the health of the other neighbors," said Alderman Barry, who also asked whether unpaid fines could be added as liens through the tax collector. Tim said liens are already a practice in some instances but that charging additional collection fees would require a separate ordinance.

Alderman LaVasseur and others urged the committee to define "good cause" and set a specific appeals period. Committee discussion noted language in the proposed ordinance packet that specifies revocation may occur for "good cause, including but not limited to multiple violations of this chapter," and that "any such revocation shall be appealable to the committee on administration." Committee members asked staff to add clearer wording on the number of violations, notice and a time limit to file an appeal.

The meeting record shows the committee motioned to table the item so the Department of Public Works and the city solicitor can draft tightened language; the motion to table was made by Alderman LaVasseur and seconded by Alderman Fajardo. The chair called for the question and the item was tabled.

Officials said the department treats revocation as a last resort and will continue outreach and property surveys before taking enforcement action. "We look to work with all property owners," Tim said. "This is an absolute last recourse." The ordinance as drafted would require property owners whose curbside eligibility is revoked to arrange for alternate weekly trash removal at the owner’s expense and allows an appeal to the committee on administration.

Committee members asked staff to return with language that sets objective triggers (for example, a defined number of violations or unpaid fines) and an explicit appeals timeline so revocation is not left entirely to director discretion. The committee will revisit the ordinance after the solicitor’s office and Public Works provide revised language.