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Center Point council awards residential trash contract to Kluesner Sanitation, schedules hearing on resource-recovery ordinance
Summary
On Feb. 24 the Center Point City Council unanimously approved a three-year residential garbage and recycling contract with Kluesner Sanitation, set a March 10 public hearing for Ordinance 516 on resource recovery and residential waste fees, and approved an amendment to the Building Numbering Plan Policy. Residents raised concerns about cart size, recycling education and leaf-vac services.
The Center Point City Council on Feb. 24 voted unanimously to award a three-year residential garbage and recycling contract to Kluesner Sanitation and to set a public hearing for Ordinance 516, which the city calls its Resource Recovery & Disposal of Residential Waste and Fees ordinance. The council also approved an amendment to the city’s Building Numbering Plan Policy.
Council members approved Resolution 2026-13, awarding a contract with Kluesner Sanitation effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The motion to approve was made by Council Member John Stuelke and seconded by Council Member Melissa McLaughlin; the roll call vote was McLaughlin, Schnell, Thomas, Stuelke and LeClere in favor, with no nays or abstentions.
Why it matters: The contract will determine which provider handles curbside garbage and recycling service for most households and sets standards for cart sizes, collection frequency and resident communications. Residents who spoke during the public comment period urged the council to balance larger cart sizes with accessibility and to improve recycling education.
Residents raised several concerns and preferences during public comment. Dixie Heineman said larger carts 'may be difficult for some households.' Patrick Engelken warned that 'larger carts could result in more waste going to the landfill' and urged more recycling education and clearer program guidance. Janine Cook-Walters asked for better communication from the selected provider about which materials are recyclable. Conversely, Mike Whitney said larger carts and weekly recycling service would benefit his household.
Council discussion and vendor responses: Council members questioned vendors about cart compatibility, curbside assistance and leaf-vac services. ABC said its cleanup days 'include labor and full-service removal' but warned that many non-company bins 'could be damaged.' Republic Services said it employs local workers, can offer adjustable cart sizes (additional charges may apply), and provides curbside assistance for residents with disabilities on receipt of a doctor's note; it also discussed options to add additional recycling bins. Rudd Sanitation said it is unable to upgrade carts at this time and that leaf-vac operations can take up to 12 hours per day. Kluesner Sanitation noted it offers 45-gallon containers and prefers residents use company-supplied carts.
Other business: Ryan Anderson provided documents to begin a change to the city’s billboard ordinance, which staff said will return for discussion on March 10. The council granted permission for Eagle Scout Nick Morgan to paint 14 picnic tables (budgeted) with work to be completed by the end of May. Interim Administrator Sarah Tritle urged residents to sign up for the city’s NIXLE alerts; she also reported attending a NextEra Energy meeting where company representatives said they expect to hire roughly 393 workers for restart/testing operations.
What the council decided next: The council set a public hearing for the first reading of Ordinance 516 — Resource Recovery & Disposal of Residential Waste and Fees — for March 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The council also approved Resolution 2026-15 amending the Building Numbering Plan Policy. All three measures passed on unanimous 5-0 votes.
The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
