September 1st, 2026 - City Council Work Session

The City of Sammamish held a City Council Work Session on September 1, 2026, which included an emergency management update and a detailed procurement update on the city's solid waste collection contract. The emergency management segment covered the city's comprehensive emergency management plan, hazard mitigation plans, and community preparedness efforts, including training and communication strategies. Council members discussed challenges experienced during recent emergencies, such as communication issues during the bomb cyclone, and explored solutions like enhanced radio systems and public alert sign-ups. The procurement update focused on the upcoming solid waste collection contract, currently held by Republic Services and expiring at the end of 2028. City staff and consultants outlined the competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, including community surveys and draft contract terms, with a goal to execute a new contract by July 2027. The RFP will be distributed to interested haulers on September 14, 2026, and will incorporate feedback from residents and council. Discussions included contract terms such as service frequency options and alternative pricing for weather-related service disruptions. The contract covers residential and commercial solid waste collection, excluding large commercial demolition projects.