Public works: Pacific Avenue sidewalk finished; wastewater operator certified; Waste Connections schedule changes Sept. 8

At the council meeting’s reports section, the public works committee highlighted recent operations and maintenance work: completion of the Pacific Avenue sidewalk project, certification earned by water-plant operator Frank Paloski, and cleaning of lift stations numbered 3, 6, 7 and 9 during August.

The committee thanked Public Works Director Bradley Benelli for department oversight and singled out Paloski for completing a two-year apprenticeship/certification program. "He's doing an excellent job keeping the council informed," a committee speaker said during the report.

Staff noted the Pacific Avenue sidewalk project is complete and that a separate rural "gun club" project is out to bid with a construction window of about 80 days once bids are awarded; council was told the project would be brought back for council approval after bid selection.

Waste Connections, the city’s contracted waste hauler, will change pickup routes beginning the week of Sept. 8. Staff said the change is a decision by Waste Connections (not the city) and that the new schedule is posted on the city website and on utility bills. The public works report said the hauler’s trucks now have video and GPS systems that can be used to verify missed pickups when residents call.

Staff also said the city provides billing for Waste Connections on utility statements but council will see an action item in a future meeting to consider whether the hauler should do its own billing going forward.

Ending: The committee asked residents to check the city website or their utility bill for their updated trash day and reminded residents to put cans out the night before their scheduled pickup.