City to gather data, consider trailer and contractor rules at Customer Convenience Center

Lake Jackson — Council asked staff to collect operational data and return with recommendations about whether to allow small trailers and revise building-material restrictions at the city’s Customer Convenience Center (CCC).

Eric (city staff) reviewed background: the CCC opened for public use in July 2021, and while the city code prohibits building materials from roadside pickup without assessment, staff have allowed small quantities at curb pickup and at the CCC as an operational practice. The city’s ordinance currently requires an assessment for building materials picked up curbside at $30 per cubic yard; the CCC signage predates the CCC and some operational rules were never formally added to the ordinance.

Council and staff voiced concern that contractors — particularly contractors who live in the city but work outside — could abuse the facility to avoid landfill fees. Staff said CCC intake is primarily run by temporary contract workers and that the facility lacks a comprehensive tracking system historically. Council asked staff to expand tracking (license plate, water-bill verification, driver's license), display clear pictorial signage showing acceptable and unacceptable loads, and return with data-driven recommendations on whether to allow small trailers and how to treat contractors.

Eric said staff had already begun improved tracking via spreadsheet and would collect enough data before proposing policy changes. Council discussed options including: allowing limited trailer use for small do-it-yourself haulers, establishing account-based invoicing for frequent commercial users, or enforcing assessments for larger loads. No ordinance change was adopted at the Sept. 2 meeting; staff will return with a proposal, informed by collected data.