The council discussed sanitation services, including pricing, collection frequency and whether to contract an exclusive provider for residential garbage collection. Staff reported current household rates cited in conversation ranging near $80–$86 per quarter or per monthly equivalents in nearby comparisons, and noted differing pickup frequencies and yard‑waste policies offered by providers.

Why it matters: council members expressed concern about multiple providers creating more traffic and wear on local roads and suggested a single contracted provider could lower road damage and administrative complexity. The group discussed how to bill residents and urged a cautious, transitional approach to fee implementation to reduce hardship, particularly for older residents.

Details and timing: staff said Southern Sanitation currently mails quarterly post‑card bills and that any move to online billing and payments would require new software or integration with a website billing module. A staff member suggested offering a six‑month introductory flat fee while the city implements billing infrastructure and educates residents. Council members asked that quarterly advance billing be an option and that in‑person payments remain available for seniors or residents without internet access. Staff said first bills under a new regime could be mailed in November or implementation could begin in January depending on procurement and system readiness.

Enforcement and operations: council discussed the administrative burden of multiple providers’ routes and the wear‑and‑tear effect on streets; a single provider picking up on one day was presented as a potential advantage. Staff will continue discussions with potential providers and return with a proposed contract structure, billing schedule and a plan to communicate changes to residents.

Outcome: no formal vote was taken. Council directed staff to continue negotiations, consider a transitional flat fee period and ensure in‑person payment and quarterly billing options for residents without internet access.