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Bloomington council approves bulk-waste rule changes and directs staff to monitor rollout
Summary
The council approved an ordinance amending Chapter 21 to revise bulk-waste collection rules — reinstating free curbside pickup for one bucket, imposing charges for additional buckets, and directing staff to develop a monitoring and evaluation plan; the measure passed 8–1.
Bloomington — The Bloomington City Council on Monday approved changes to the city’s bulk-waste collection policy, returning to free curbside pickup for one bucket and establishing escalating fees for additional buckets. The ordinance amendment, which revises Chapter 21 of city code and the schedule of fees, passed 8–1 after the council added a staff-directed monitoring and evaluation requirement.
Deputy City Manager Sue McLaughlin and Public Works staff told the council that tipping fees have risen — roughly 9% over the last two years — while the number of bucket pickups and tonnage dropped at the citizens convenience center (CCC) have tracked roughly the same since 2014. Staff proposed implementing the curbside-first system as early as January and said the change could free one full-time equivalent for expanded street sweeping.
Member Ward moved to add language directing city staff “to develop a plan for monitoring and evaluating expectations of the bulk pickup program,” arguing the city should build in routine review so it is not back “in 7 years saying… it didn’t meet our expectations.” The amendment was seconded by Member Hendrix and included in the final vote. The council approved the matter as amended on an 8–1 vote; Council member Mahoney cast the lone no vote.
Public comment preceding the vote included remarks from Renee Nessler, AFSCME Council 31 staff representative, who spoke for Local 699 Public Works and Parks. Nessler said the union ratified a tentative agreement before Thanksgiving and urged the council to approve it. On the proposed bulk-waste changes, she urged the council to avoid measures that would shut down the CCC for citizen drop-offs, saying keeping the CCC open would spare residents from large pickup costs and help avoid piles left waiting curbside.
Council members questioned the proposal’s financial analysis, equity effects and enforcement. Member Montney asked staff to provide a fuller accounting of the solid-waste fund’s revenues and expenses, noting council materials showing cart revenue rising from about $6,300,000 in 2018 to more than $9,000,000 now and asking for clearer cost and subsidy breakdowns. Staff acknowledged that some historical data from 2018 were incomplete but said they are now collecting metrics and will monitor outcomes.
Staff said they plan communications and signage before any CCC closure, and that the city may need to relocate the CCC as part of future basin development and permitting work. The ordinance directs staff to return with monitoring metrics so council can assess whether the operational changes meet stated goals.
The council’s vote followed standard procedure: a motion to approve the item as amended, a roll call on the matter as presented on the monitor, and the final tally (8 yes, 1 no).
