Committee denies request to expand city bulk pickup; staff to boost outreach and evaluate services

The Improvement Services Committee on Wednesday, July 30, voted to deny a request from Alderman Ben Tully to expand the city’s curbside bulk-item pickup and yard-waste program.

Committee members heard a presentation from Public Works staff that, as summarized in the meeting packet, “we offer 2 annual curbside bulk trash collection weeks” and that during those weeks the city collects large items “up to 2 cubic yards” at no charge. The staff summary also said past estimates put the cost of the two free weeks at approximately $78,000 and reported collection data as "around 110 100 tons of bulk waste per week." Staff recommended no immediate program change and said it is planning a broader program evaluation next year if funding can be secured.

The motion to deny was made by Elder Eck and seconded by Elder De Lee; the chair called for the ayes and the motion failed to carry, recorded on the…