Members of the Somerville City Council Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy discussed whether to extend the city’s curbside yard‑waste collection later into the year during a Feb. 20 remote meeting.

The discussion centered on a request submitted by Councilor Syed to add at least one extra week of curbside yard‑waste collection in the fall. Commissioner Joe Lighthand, Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, told the committee that the city typically ends curbside service the first week in December so crews can shift to snow‑season preparations and other winter work.

The committee heard from Commissioner Joe Lighthand that extending curbside pickup into December raises operational and contractual issues. “Heading into December, we’re really into the midst of our preparing for our snow season,” he said, noting the need for staff capacity to address potholes and other pre‑winter work. He also said the city contracts yard‑waste hauling and that extending service would likely require a contract amendment and additional money.

Councilor Davis pushed back on the timing rationale and urged flexibility for residents who cannot transport yard waste to the DPW yard. “The last several years…there’s still stuff on the trees after our final yard‑based collection comes around,” Councilor Davis said, arguing some residents need one more week of curbside pickup. He suggested shifting an existing weekly pickup later in the fall — a “net‑zero” swap — rather than adding overall weeks.

Councilor Wilson, who chaired the meeting, described the idea as a net‑zero shift of one pickup week from earlier in the fall to the end of the season so the change would be fiscally neutral. Commissioner Lighthand said he would consult the contracted hauler about feasibility and cost; he reported that he had already reached out to the contractor and was awaiting feedback.

Committee members also noted equity and practical concerns: some residents lack vehicles to drop material at the DPW yard, and senior residents sometimes require individual assistance. Commissioner Lighthand said the DPW has occasionally coordinated with the Council on Aging to help individual seniors after curbside service ends, but said those arrangements are situational and require resources. Councilor Burnley raised the connection between yard‑waste policy and the city’s composting pilot, noting that expanding composting could change the volume and destination of yard waste.

The committee did not adopt a formal change. Councilor Davis moved to keep the request in committee and return it after the commissioner consults the contractor and reports back; the motion was made during the meeting but a formal vote on the motion was not recorded in the transcript. Commissioner Lighthand said he would work with his contractor and DPW staff to explore compromise scheduling and to report back to committee.

Next steps: the item remains in committee pending a follow‑up report from the Department of Public Works about contract implications, costs and operational feasibility.