Marquette commission adopts cart-based curbside collection rules and clears way for daytime parking restrictions

The Marquette City Commission on May 12 adopted two ordinances to implement a fully carted curbside residential solid-waste collection system and to authorize street-parking restrictions to allow daytime curbside pickup.

The commission voted 6-0 to adopt ordinance 25-05, which updates city code sections on container definitions and on timelines for placing and removing garbage containers, and then approved ordinance 25-06, creating a framework for the commission to adopt parking restrictions in areas and times affected by scheduled solid-waste collections (vote 5-1 on 25-06; one commissioner voted no).

The ordinance revisions reflect an earlier contract amendment with Waste Management to transition to a fully carted system and to shift curbside collection to daytime hours. City staff told commissioners the draft ordinance had been introduced at the April 28 meeting and, per charter, could not be adopted at introduction.

Residents raised concerns during public comment. Leslie Williams of 124 Blumheaver Avenue told the commission, “The garbage carts do not work for me because my driveway is surrounded on three sides with walls, and I store my snow there.” She said placing carts on her deck would require carrying them up 13 steps and that, during winter months, she would need a way to drop off bags at the transfer station without paying a disposal fee.

Commissioners acknowledged those concerns. Commissioner Seigel said staff and the commission expect to monitor the transition and consider tweaks where needed, while Commissioner Roberts encouraged neighbors to cooperate informally when feasible. Commissioner Larson, who moved adoption of 25-05, and Commissioner Ottaway, who seconded, both said the ordinances are intended to modernize collection and to enable reliable service by the contractor, not to punish residents.

On ordinance 25-06, which would allow the commission to adopt resolutions restricting on-street parking when needed for collection, commissioners emphasized the intention that the rules facilitate safe, efficient pickup. Mayor Jessica Hanley and others noted staff will work with Waste Management and the public to identify enforcement and implementation approaches.

City staff indicated there is no immediate fiscal effect from adopting the ordinances and that additional operational flexibility and potential adjustments will be considered as the new system is phased in.

What’s next: the ordinances were adopted by roll-call vote and take effect per the city charter process; staff and commissioners said they will watch for resident issues and consider future changes based on experience and feedback.