Merriam holds first reading of single‑hauler trash ordinance after months of outreach; public split on plan to award GFL contract

The Merriam City Council conducted the first reading of an ordinance to establish citywide single‑hauler trash, recycling and yard‑waste service and discussed staff’s recommendation to negotiate with GFL Environmental under the Mid America Regional Council (MARC) cooperative bid. The item received extensive public comment; council did not adopt final terms at the meeting and a second reading is scheduled for April 28.

Staff presentation and proposed terms: City staff said the proposal stems from a 2024 resident survey in which 65% of respondents favored a citywide contract. Staff and a mayor-appointed single‑hauler work group developed the bid package, opened competitive bids and recommended negotiating with GFL (the low MARC consolidated bid). Key contract features presented by staff included a five‑year agreement, a contractor monthly charge of $19.50, a city administrative fee of $3.50 per residence (for a combined monthly cost of about $23), an annual CPI adjustment capped at 3%, and a required 18‑month waiting period after ordinance adoption (which makes the earliest start date Nov. 1, 2026). GFL’s offer included 65‑ and 95‑gallon carts, weekly yard waste year‑round (up to 10 bags or bundles per week), two amnesty weeks for yard waste annually, and up to three bulky‑item pickups per month as a bid benefit. Additional services outside the contract (white goods with Freon, etc.) would incur separate fees (e.g., $60 per appliance). The contract provides a garage‑to‑curb accommodation for qualifying residents and an optional extra trash cart for $10 per month.

Administration and customer service: Staff said the $3.50 administrative fee would fund about half of a full‑time equivalent position (0.5 FTE) to handle resident customer service and contract oversight, contingency for non‑payment on tax rolls and public communication (mailings, notices). The city emphasized it would serve as the primary customer‑service contact point and would require GFL to provide local supervisory contacts and crew supervision for pickup days.

Public comment: More than a dozen residents spoke for and against single‑hauler service. Supporters said a consolidated contract promises price uniformity and fewer trucks in neighborhoods; Wayne ****** of West 50 Third Terrace said, “this will no doubt provide uniform rates for single family homes” after describing rising prices and erratic service from his current provider. Opponents warned about loss of consumer choice and raised concerns about GFL’s online reviews and workplace or environmental complaints; resident Billy Kron framed the issue as a choice and freedom concern, saying the proposal “is about government stepping into 1 more part of our daily ... lives where it doesn't belong.” Several residents noted satisfaction with their current hauler and urged caution.

Council questions and clarifications: Council members asked about opt‑out possibilities (staff: not feasible for bidding and not recommended), the status of 35‑gallon carts (industry moving toward larger carts; new 35‑gallon bins would not be distributed), senior rates (no separate senior discount but bid prices are close to or below many current senior rates), how holiday and inclement‑weather schedules will be communicated (annual notices required by the contract and by GFL), payment logistics (service fees would be assessed on the biannual property tax bill rather than billed monthly), and contract termination/poor performance clauses (contract contains penalties and termination provisions for nonperformance).

Next steps and timing: Staff reiterated the first reading was the initial procedural step; the council may adopt the ordinance and a contract at the April 28 meeting if it chooses to proceed. Statutory waiting rules mean the earliest contract start date would be Nov. 1, 2026, to allow residents and existing providers the required notice and transition period.

Ending: The council completed the first reading and will consider final adoption and the negotiated contract at the April 28 meeting; staff said GFL representatives will be present for further council questions and that staff will continue community outreach.