Placement: First Reading of Ordinances / Public Hearing
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Ordinance 26-59, Public Hearing, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Providing for the Placement of a Non-Binding Straw Ballot Question on the November 3, 2026 General Election Ballot, Asking Whether the Electors Support Amending the City’s Solid Waste Franchise Agreement to Increase Residential Curbside Pickup to Twice Per Week at an Increased Cost Per Household; Providing the Text of the Proposed Straw Ballot Question; Directing the City Clerk to Provide the Supervisor of Elections with a Copy of this Ordinance; Providing for Conflict; Providing for Severability; and Providing for an Effective Date.
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Submitted By: Mariana Feldpausch, Solid Waste Director
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of safe, clean, and beautiful.
Executive Summary (General Business): This ordinance provides for the placement of a non-binding straw ballot question on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. The question asks whether residents would support amending the City’s solid waste franchise agreement to provide for Citywide, twice-per-week residential curbside pickup for an increased cost placed on all residents’ solid waste assessment by at least $131 in 2028 - with additional increases expected in later years.
Presentation Information: Following a brief presentation, staff will be available to answer any questions.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council complete the motion in the affirmative and approve the ordinance for adoption after second reading.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation, complete the motion in the affirmative and approve the ordinance for adoption after second reading.
2. Move that the Council not approve the ordinance and provide direction.
Background: Since the commencement of the solid waste franchise agreement with FCC Environmental Services, Inc. in 2022, there has been considerable, recurring debate and discussion as to whether the City should increase residential curbside trash collection to twice per week for all City homes. The Council’s consensus at previous public meetings is to place a straw ballot question on the next general election ballot in 2026 to ascertain the level of public support for amending the franchise agreement to include twice weekly service at an increased solid waste assessment cost for residents.
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: If the franchise agreement is amended, the increased costs of the second weekly pickup service would be included in residents’ annual solid waste assessment in 2028 and 2029. It is estimated that residents would pay at least $131 more for their 2028 solid waste assessment, and at least $136 more for their 2029 solid waste assessment.
Special Consideration: Straw ballot questions are non-binding questions that municipalities use to poll public support of a potential item of government business or a potential course of action by government. Formatting and drafting requirements apply, as well as coordination with the St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections to place the straw ballot question on this year’s general election ballot.
Location of Project: Citywide Residential Improved Properties
Business Impact Statement: Yes
Attachments:
1. Ordinance
2. Business Impact Estimate Form
3. Solid Waste Straw Ballot 1st Reading Presentation
4. Solid Waste Straw Ballot Language
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 26009-03
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by KeAndrea Davis, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.