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Council asks staff to review Waste Management contract after residents report pickup problems
Summary
City staff reported dozens of service issues with Waste Management's residential pickup service, including 35 can-swap work orders in June and an unresolved incident that damaged a contractor's materials; the council asked staff to track all incidents and review contract remedies.
City staff told the Cochran City Council on July 9 that residents and city crews have experienced repeated problems with Waste Management's residential pickup service, prompting the council to request a contract review and stricter incident tracking.
Staff member Tiffany Bryant reported 35 work orders for trash-can swaps in June, not including those handled directly by Public Works, and said the vendor has often notified the city of problems after business hours. Staff also said many residents were moved to a new Thursday pickup schedule without receiving proper notification. Councilmembers noted a June 6 incident that damaged a contractor's materials remains unresolved.
Councilmember Shane Savant asked staff to track all issues, including those handled by Public Works, so the data will be accurate for future contract negotiations. Councilmember Carla Coley raised whether the city could compensate the affected contractor; City Attorney Jim Elliott advised against using city funds to compensate the contractor directly and the council requested staff to review contract terms and options if Waste Management is in breach.
Next steps: staff will compile a comprehensive log of service complaints and work orders that includes Public Works interventions and return to the council with possible contractual remedies and legal options.
