Submitted By
John P. Wielebnicki, Public Works Director
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Motion to Affirm a Reduction in the Fall 2020 Leaf Pickup Program from Eight Weeks to Six Weeks
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Overview
Overview
The Village Board, at previous budget sessions, discussed an option of reducing the fall leaf collection program from eight weeks to six weeks in an effort to reduce costs. Staff has evaluated this option and is requesting the Village Board affirm this reduction. Should the Village Board approve this Motion, staff will work with Waste Management on an amendment to the contract.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Approve the Motion
Fiscal Impact
The Fiscal Year 2020 Environmental Services Leaf Contractual account provides funds GL# 5055.43760.764.530660 totaling $219,000.00. The amended six week leaf collection program would reduce the expenditure to $189,577.00. The contractual savings for the amended leaf collection program results in $29,423.00.
Background
Since 1994, the Fall Leaf Collection Program has been provided as a joint operation between the Public Works Department and the refuse contractor (Waste Management). Prior to 1994, the Fall Leaf Program was performed entirely by the Public Works Department.
The Fall Leaf Collection Program runs for an eight week period, typically beginning in the third week of October and ending two weeks into December. The Village collection route is divided into four sections that are labeled Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Fridays are used for the Washington Boulevard corridor and as a “catch up” day in the event that crews were unable to complete a section due to heavy leaf volume.
Residents rake leaves into the street and then Public Works staff push the leaves into large piles at the end of the block. The Village’s contractor then removes the piles and takes them to their composting facility. The process for collection includes three Street Division staff working nights (11pm - 11am) to push leaves to the end of the block. The refuse contractor utilizes a minimum of three crews (minimum of three people per crew) to collect the leaf piles.
With a reduced program residents are encouraged to compost them or mulch the leaves in place on their lawns with their lawn mowers.
Waste Management has confirmed that reducing the program from eight weeks to six weeks will result in a savings of $29,423.00.
Alternatives
The Village Board can delay action to gain additional information.
Previous Board Action
The Village Board approved the Fiscal Year 2020 Environmental Services, Leaf collection Program Budget in the amount of $219,000.00 as defined in the Waste Management residential waste hauling contract.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
Should the Village Board approve this Motion, staff will work with Waste Management on an amendment to the contract. If successful, Public Works staff will propose a six week fall leaf collection program for Fiscal Year 2021.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
There are no opportunities for Intergovernmental cooperation with this action.