Report Prepared by: Mikel Schlessigner, Public Works Supervisor - Solid Waste
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Services Agreement with Waste Innovation Systems, Inc. (WIS), for Refuse Routing Software in the Amount Not to Exceed $329,025 Through the Initial Contract Term Ending June 30, 2028
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 and approving a services agreement with Waste Innovation Systems, Inc. (WIS) for refuse routing software in the amount not to exceed $329,025 through June 30, 2028, with the option to extend the agreement through June 30, 2031.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 for standardization on particular types of equipment; and,
B. Approving a Services Agreement with Waste Innovation Systems, Inc. (WIS) for refuse routing software in the amount not to exceed $329,025 through June 30, 2028, with the option to extend for three (3) additional one (1) year terms through June 30, 2031; and,
C. Approving future contract amendments to adjust the number of refuse route hardware and software units based on changes in refuse services or increases/decreases to the number of refuse fleet vehicles; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200, et seq. and Section 3.04.210 of the Merced Municipal Code.
Services with an estimated value greater than $41,000.00 are made by written contract in accordance with Merced Municipal Code, Title 3 - Revenue and Finance, Chapter 3.04.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2026/2027 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The Solid Waste Division provides residential and commercial waste collection services while ensuring compliance with State requirements for solid waste, recycling, and organics. Since the implementation of SB 1383, the Division has incurred additional responsibilities for organics collection, contamination monitoring, customer education, documentation, and reporting to CalRecycle.
As the City's collection operation has grown, route management has become more complex. Routes change as new customers are added, service levels change, and employees cover different routes due to vacations, absences, training, and other staffing needs. The City's current Tyler system has extreme limitations in route sequencing and route printing capabilities, creating a need for a more adaptable routing solution.
Waste Innovation Systems, Inc. (WIS) would address this need and provide additional value through WasteNav, which provides in-cab route information, route sequencing, and turn-by-turn navigation. This would help drivers complete routes more efficiently, particularly when covering unfamiliar routes or when route assignment changes are implemented.
WIS also offers SmartCam, which uses vehicle-mounted AI cameras to document contaminations, verify service and log any service interruptions during collection. Images can be associated with the customer account and collection activity, providing better documentation for SB 1383 compliance and customer follow-up.
The Solid Waste Division is proposing to install the system in its refuse collection vehicles. Implementing WIS standardized across the fleet would provide improved operations with routing and navigation while giving the Division better tools to document contamination, verify collection activity, and manage daily operations.
WIS would support two primary needs: filling the gap in Tyler’s routing capabilities by improving route management and sequencing, while also providing the technology needed to support SB 1383 contamination monitoring and documentation.
The Solid Waste Division is requesting council approve the agreement with WIS for refuse routing software and hardware.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed; funding is available within the FY2026-27 adopted budget. Future year funding will be included in the budget process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agreement for Services