Council approves green-waste franchise action, directs staff to explore senior/low‑income alternatives

The Pacific Grove City Council voted unanimously June 4 to approve a green-waste franchise action while asking staff to explore alternative approaches to service levels for seniors and low-income homeowners.

Public commenters and council members said the current minimum trash can size (32 gallons) and rate increases were putting pressure on elderly and low-income residents who said they do not generate enough waste to justify the cost. A resident asked the city to negotiate a smaller bin or a discount for qualifying households.

Council members noted the franchise agreement (originally adopted in 2014) requires a minimum service level for all properties, which spreads fixed transportation and franchise costs across customers. Staff said the contractor, GreenWaste, had declined prior requests to change the minimum bin size. The franchise contract language permits the city and contractor to agree on alternative approaches without amending the agreement.

Council directed staff to ask GreenWaste whether a mutually agreeable alternative (for example a smaller can size or a reduced-cost option for eligible seniors) is feasible. Councilors said the city may have limited leverage while under contract and suggested a future renegotiation as the contract term nears its end could provide more options.

The motion to approve the consent‑agenda item and request staff exploration passed on a roll call as recorded by the mayor: Council Member Peduri, Mayor Pro Tem Emilio, Council Member McDonald, Council Member Garfield and Mayor Smith voted aye; the motion carried 6–0–1 with Council Member WalkingStick absent.