Council reviews design options for recycling center retaining wall; staff recommends low‑maintenance 'roll‑off' layout

City staff presented three preliminary design options for the failing embankment at the municipal recycling center and recommended a low‑maintenance alternate that keeps a public drop‑off, protects utilities and reduces ongoing staffing needs.

Mike, the city engineer, said the embankment has been eroding for decades and that sanitary sewer and overhead electrical lines run along the bank. Council members and staff said they were committed to continuing a local drop‑off recycling option rather than abandoning the site. Mike described an alternate design (Alternate 3) that uses two roll‑off containers — one configured for cardboard with a top slit and another for mixed materials — positioned so trucks can swap containers without an on‑site attendant and most of the slope can be seeded and left low‑maintenance.

“Part of the site will become a grassy area. We'll still have enough room for 2 roll offs, the ability for a truck to back up, swap containers, probably a turnaround for vehicles,” Mike said. Staff recommended moving forward with final design on that concept to minimize cost and preserve recycling drop‑off service.

The council did not take a final vote on construction at the meeting; staff sought direction to proceed with final engineering on the preferred alternate so the city can protect utilities and plan for construction costs and site logistics.