Commission hears update on glass‑recycling revenue and asks staff to explore private residential pickup proposals

Sanitation staff reported stronger-than-expected revenue from crushed‑glass sales, noting current receipts have already exceeded the budgeted amount for the year. Staff said they have shipped samples of crushed glass for testing and are exploring market opportunities for larger shipments. A retail example of current pricing discussed in the meeting was $30 for a 25‑pound bag (with bulk pricing available); staff said the full fee schedule will be presented at the Aug. 28 fee hearing.

Commissioner Sherman and others questioned Big Blue (the city’s glass‑crushing machine) maintenance needs and whether some approaching maintenance work — such as sand‑blast, paint and hammer replacement — are coming due. Staff said quotes were being gathered for maintenance and painting. Commissioners asked for a clearer maintenance schedule and lifecycle plan for Big Blue.

In a broader policy discussion, City Manager Dale Freeman proposed preparing a request for proposals that would compare the cost of continuing city-operated residential collection with private contractors’ bids for automated residential service. Freeman said this analysis would take roughly 12–18 months to implement if the city wished to contract, because private operators would need time to supply carts and trucks. Commissioners agreed that an RFP and a line‑by‑line cost comparison would be useful. No change to sanitation service was approved during the workshop.