Council approves Routeware contract upgrade to optimize sanitation routes; $7.08 million not-to-exceed agreement authorized

The City of Muskogee approved a master sales and license agreement with Routeware Inc. in an amount not to exceed $7,076,115 to expand the city’s Routeware deployment for sanitation routing, tracking and service verification.

Public Works staff described Routeware as the department’s core system for automated collection routing since the transition to automated trash trucks. “This is a great product for the sanitation department,” said a public works presenter, who explained the optimized service uses artificial‑intelligence‑based route optimization, real‑time truck and driver dashboards, and photo documentation to reduce missed pickups and operator workload.

Staff and the sanitation manager said the upgrade will focus on an “optimized” module that times routes with landfill trips, reduces idle and travel time, and supports service verification (photos and timestamps) that make follow-up easier when a can is blocked or placed incorrectly. Officials said the system improves efficiency, reduces fuel and wear on expensive trucks, and helps document service for resident inquiries.

Council approved the contract after staff answered questions about operational benefits, training and how the system supports verification of missed or blocked carts. The agenda summary shows a not-to-exceed cap of $7,076,115; staff described anticipated long‑term operating savings from reduced overtime, fewer return trips and better route timing.

Why it matters: Automated routing and verification software affects day‑to‑day sanitation operations and long‑term operating costs. The upgrade is intended to reduce missed service calls, lower route hours and improve performance reporting, which staff said will help manage staffing turnover and morale.

Speakers quoted above are drawn from the meeting public record.