Fernley directs staff to finalize Waste Management residential survey; council debates contract length

Fernley — Waste Management presented a draft residential survey and timeline on May 21 and council unanimously directed staff to confirm the survey’s completion date and return survey results, while a separate discussion flagged concerns about proposed decade-long contract extensions.

Kim Fleming of Waste Management explained that if a finalized draft were ready by May 31 or June 1, the company could include the survey in the July bill insert to reach residents, with separate outreach possible for commercial accounts. Fleming said the company’s proposed longer-term option (a 10-year extension beyond the current franchise) supported a greater per-customer cost reduction but acknowledged term length and services remain negotiable.

Council discussion centered on whether to allow commercial customers to continue choosing providers (several councilmembers supported keeping commercial services open to competition) and whether a multi-decade extension was appropriate for a fast-growing city. City Attorney Aaron Mortson advised the council it could solicit bids now, but any new contract would not take effect until the current franchise expires (early January 2029); he also noted a one-year notice requirement for termination if the city chose to change the franchise.

On a 5-0 vote the council directed staff to confirm the survey completion date and return with survey results and recommendations. Councilmembers told staff they preferred that the survey address residential services, keep commercial arrangements independent, and consider third-party surveying options if desired.