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Council approves monthly on-request brush and bulky pickup; residents urge clearer notice and execution
Summary
The council amended city code to allow monthly on-request bulky and brush pickup rather than quarterly; residents at the meeting urged better outreach, door hangers and improved service execution after mixed early experiences with the new schedule.
The Temple City Council on Aug. 21 adopted an ordinance amending city code to permit monthly, on-request collection of brush and bulky refuse instead of quarterly collection.
The change had been read as a second and final reading after earlier work sessions; council members and several residents discussed implementation details and early pilot results. "I support that change... once a month is a great compromise," resident Matthew Morovic said during public comment, noting his neighborhood's half-acre lots and multiple large trees.
Other speakers urged clearer outreach and better pickup performance. Alan Lytle, a long-time commenter, said many residents plan piles but do not always request collection; he suggested direct notices such as door hangers or including information with water bills. Another resident said she called for pickup and found crews left some piles behind.
City staff told the council they plan door-hanger outreach starting with addresses that already have brush out for pickup; staff said further communications will follow. During the meeting council members emphasized that solid-waste service and public safety were priorities in recent budget discussions and that the monthly approach strikes a balance between more frequent pickup and operational costs.
Council Member Kirkendall moved to approve the ordinance; Mayor Pro Tem Walker seconded. The council approved the change 5-0.
Implementation notes: Staff said door-hanger outreach will begin at addresses with existing piles and that other communications are planned. Residents who reported missed pickups were advised to contact the city and leave photos or addresses for staff follow-up.
