Title
Consider an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances Chapter 24, Solid Waste collection services.
Summary
DATE: October 4, 2022
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Jeffery Reynolds, Executive Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Ordinance amending solid waste collection services
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On May 17, 2022, Council approved the suspension of bulk collection through September 30, 2022, to assist with the staff shortage caused by new requirements by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for obtaining a Commercial Driver License (CDL). Current CDL holders became a high demand and there were many sign-on bonuses being offered by all companies that employ CDL operators. This created a staff shortage for the solid waste division. Simultaneously, Council also approved an immediate salary increase to CDL positions within solid waste. This increase assisted with the hiring of current CDL holders to fill vacancies within solid waste.
Bulk collection services are a vital service offered by the city to residents who are unable to dispose of bulk items themselves or choose not to. During the suspension of bulk services, staff took this time to evaluate the program and develop a revised program. Changes to the program will assist residents with knowledge of the rates being charged, ensure that staff can complete their bulk routes, and help create neighborhoods that are clean and aesthetically pleasing.
Section 24-54, Special Collection Services has been revised as follows to implement the procedure of bulk collection services.
• Changed title to “Bulk Collection Services”, as the City does not offer a special collection service.
• Bulk collection services will continue to be provided on the scheduled collection day for a fee.
• Bulk items shall be placed curbside no later than 7:00 a.m., but not earlier than one day prior to the collection day.
• Fees will continue to be assessed on the monthly bill for the address that requested the service as stated in the adopted fee schedule.
• Bulk collection service that is requested on a day other than the regularly scheduled collection day will incur an additional “Premium Collection Fee” as has been adopted in the current fee schedule.
Additionally, Section 24-56, Transfer Station Use, has been revised to allow residential customers free disposal of not more than 500 pounds total, per calendar month free of charge. An increase in weight and additional trips to make up that weight will assist with giving the citizens of Killeen alternatives for their bulk disposal.
Another proposed revision is to Sections 24-52 and 24-88, move-in cardboard boxes and packing materials. The sections are redundant and now that we have five (5) drop off locations throughout the city to recycle cardboard, these sections have been removed. This would allow time for collection of the current recycling customers, processing of recyclables, and the transportation of recyclable materials.
Lastly, there are various grammatical edits throughout the ordinance to ensure clarity and provide a document to the citizens of Killeen that is thorough and concise.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
(1) Do not approve revisions to the solid waste ordinance.
(2) Approve solid waste revisions to the ordinance.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Alternative two (2) is recommended as it provides alternatives for bulk collection services and disposal and creates a concise document overall for all residential and commercial customers.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The proposed ordinance conforms to applicable City policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
N/A
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
N/A
Is this expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council approve the ordinance amending Chapter 24, Solid Waste, of the Code of Ordinances, to provide a concise document overall for all residential and commercial customers.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Public Works
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Ordinance