Residents press council for clearer communication on sanitation privatization as council approves routine budget resolutions

Public comment at the London City Council meeting centered on concern over the administrations move to seek bids for privatizing sanitation and the information residents have received about what the councils vote authorized.

Britney Hall (1056 Amherst Boulevard) said many residents mistakenly believe the sanitation department has already been privatized and faulted the city for not providing clearer, real-time notifications about what the councils vote did and did not authorize. "Right now, many residents are under the impression that the sanitation department has already been privatized, and that decision is final," Hall said, asking who is responsible for communicating major service changes, why there was no pre-vote explanation and what will change so residents are informed earlier.

Kevin Crosley (1044 Portway) and Donna Martin (231 South Main Street) echoed concerns about potential service reductions and hidden costs if a private contractor replaces the citys sanitation workforce. Crosley warned that outside companies commonly charge fees for missed pickups or special trips, and that bulk-drop-off services residents currently use may be restricted. Donna Martin pressed the mayor and council to post clearer notices to reach people who do not follow social media.

Mayor Kristopher Klasser responded that agendas, summaries and legislative information are posted on the city website and on the city and mayors Facebook pages and offered to provide agendas by email or print for residents who request them. President Peters reiterated the website as the official source and encouraged residents to contact council members directly with questions.

After public comment the council advanced several items under new business. The body unanimously approved multiple routine appropriation resolutions after motions to suspend the three-reading rule. Among the items:

- Resolution 101-26 (sponsored by Greg Eads) authorized the auditor to transfer funds during 2026, including increases for the fire pension transfer and a police building loan payment added at $259,550; council suspended rules and passed the resolution on recorded roll call.

- Resolution 102-26 (sponsored by Shannon Trainer) increased appropriations to make available police donation funds ($5,548.64) carried forward from the prior year; council approved the measure.

- Resolution 103-26 (sponsored by Lisa Jackman) increased appropriations for fire and EMS donations (reported as $11,500) to permit spending in 2026; council approved the resolution.

- Resolution 104-26 (sponsored by Shannon Trainer) moved unspent fire training funds ($10,750.23) into an equipment line consistent with contract provisions; council approved.

- Resolution 105-26 (sponsored by Shannon Trainer) created a new line item to pay the city's portion of county tree assessment taxes (approximate appropriation $5,000); council approved.

Council introduced Ordinance 106-26 (sponsored by Tom Boyd), an ordinance to vacate an alley at the request of adjacent property owners, and set a public hearing for March 19. Council members asked staff to verify whether the parcel had been considered previously by the Board of Zoning Appeals or the Planning Commission and whether utility easements (Columbia Gas) were documented.

The meeting concluded with roundtable comments emphasizing improved resident outreach (suggestions for a monthly mailed or printed flyer), thanks to city employees for snow response and follow-ups on the frozen water issue at the ESC building and the citys comprehensive plan timeline.

No contract award or privatization decision was made at the meeting; the administration was authorized to solicit bids and the procurement process remains underway.