Fenton aldermen authorize soliciting snowplow quotes and pause leaf pickup discussion amid staffing shortage

The Fenton Board of Aldermen voted to solicit quotes for residential snowplowing and to waive the normal formal‑bid advertising period so staff can move quickly to secure outside help for winter operations. The board also continued discussion of the city’s leaf‑pickup program and agreed to explore limits on bagged yard‑waste pickups while staff pursues contractor options.

Staff framed both actions as responses to recent resignations in the public‑works department and broad vacancy levels. “As stated, the staff with the shortage of staff, we are stating that we would like to get out and start collecting bids and quotes for snowplowing services,” Nikki told the board, noting that many private companies already are assembling winter routes and crews. Nikki asked the board for permission both to seek quotes and to waive the formal 14‑day advertising requirement for bids.

The board approved seeking quotes and waiving the formal advertising period (motion by Alderman Hill; second by Alderman Jokers; motion carries). Staff said the city would likely retain its crews for main thoroughfares while contracting for residential subdivisions, and that multiple contractors may be needed to cover about 92 lane miles of city streets. Dan (public‑works staff) told aldermen the city would likely keep main roads under city control and use contractors to supplement residential routes.

A member of the public, identified in the record as Mister Abbott, raised concerns about using stormwater funds to pay for snowplowing. Mayor/Chair (meeting moderator) and staff responded that the city attorney had advised that such a use of stormwater funds would be inappropriate; the chair called that suggestion “highly illegal” and said the general fund could pay for snowplowing if needed. The board did not approve use of stormwater funds for snow removal.

On leaf pickup, staff asked the board to consider temporarily suspending the city leaf‑pickup program for the coming season or limiting the number of bagged leaves residents can place for collection. Staff described options including a weekly container model and vendor contracts. Vicky (staff member) said the city has negotiated with Waste Connections; that vendor would not be able to start service before 2026. Vicky told the board the Waste Connections proposal would provide a 96‑gallon container and weekly pickup and that the initial cost to the city would be about $120,000, with service beginning in spring 2026 and a nine‑month initial term referenced in the discussion.

During discussion aldermen floated interim options such as asking commercial janitorial or landscaping businesses to provide restroom cleaning or leaf pickup, allowing private contractors to empty weekly bagged leaf collections, and creating a sticker‑sharing program to help homeowners who need more pickups. Staff said limiting bagged leaves to 10 bags per pickup could help ensure equitable service and reduce the number of vehicle trips the city’s crews must make.

The board voted to continue the leaf‑pickup agenda item to a future meeting for further planning and public notification (motion by Alderman Lang; second by Alderman Harrell; motion carries). The board also approved seeking quotes for snowplowing and waiving the formal bid advertisement requirement so staff can return with contract proposals to the board for approval.

What the board decided

- Authorized staff to solicit quotes for residential snowplowing and to waive the 14‑day formal advertising requirement (approved). - Continued the leaf‑pickup discussion and directed staff to explore interim contractor options and a limit on bagged leaves (approved to continue). - Staff reported a pending Waste Connections proposal for a 96‑gallon weekly pickup service with startup cost of about $120,000 and earliest start in spring 2026 (information only; contract not approved).

Discussion vs. formal action

The solicitation of quotes and waiver of formal bidding were approved. The leaf‑pickup program changes remain under consideration; the board continued the item so staff can return with specifics and public notice plans.

The meeting record shows the concerns raised by a citizen (Mister Abbott) and aldermen about funding sources and operational feasibility; staff indicated the city attorney would review any procurement or funding questions before any contract execution.