Resident urges city to address trash-service problems; council pledges to contact contractor

During the public-comment portion of the July 22 meeting, a resident who identified himself only as John urged the council to address ongoing problems with the town’s trash collection contractor. "My name is John. My problem right now is your garbage pickup," he said, describing spoiled food left at the curb, crews opening bags and discarding items on the ground, and a perception that three-person crews were an inefficient use of resources.

Council members responded that the contractor’s agreement allows pickup of the bin and a limited number of additional bags or boxes outside the receptacle, and that some items (large wood pieces, construction material, hazardous containers) are excluded for safety reasons. The resident said his bag was not sealed and that crew members opened the bag and left food on the ground; councilors said that would merit confirmation with the vendor.

Officials told the resident they would contact the contractor (referred to in the meeting as Zelas) in the morning to request a clear refresher on what crews will collect, how they will treat heavy or partially open bags, and how residents should present bulky items. Staff noted the current trash contract runs three years.

The council did not take formal action during public comment but asked staff to follow up and provide an email update to the full council so there is a record of the vendor’s response.