Vacuum Leaf Collection Presentation
The Environmental Quality and Public Works (EQPW) Committee heard an update on Vacuum Leaf Collection challenges and alternative options.
LFUCG faced significant labor challenges in Leaf Collection: In 2021 and 2022, the Street and Roads (S&R) departments had a 20% vacancy rate in civil service positions. In 2022, federal commercial driver's license requirements became more strict.
LFUCG also has equipment challenges. Rear-loading garbage trucks are a more efficient use of labor, but 3 of 4 need to be replaced - they take about a year to acquire, and LFUCG will have to use less efficient dump trucks.
2022 Collection options include providing service within the existing contract area or expanding the area covered by a private contract with Republic Services.
These setbacks are projected to extend the time spent on collection from 7 weeks to 15 weeks. Using S&R workers to compensate for previously stated setbacks could stop other typical S&R functions like paving and fixing potholes.
Existing alternatives include residents taking their yard waste to the Haley Pike Landfill, utilizing a composting bin, paying a private landscaper, or cleaning their property and using a yard waste bin. Expanded alternatives include the city offering a discounted second bin.
In the committee meeting, Council members talked about their thoughts on the program on top of the current labor, scheduling, and equipment issues.
The main arguments of council members against the continuation of the program was that this program is not effective often enough to be a responsible use of taxpayer money.
Some council members did speak out against the cancellation of the program this year, stating that their district(s) do benefit from the services.
A motion was made in committee to ask the administration to continue to develop a leaf collection program without using the vacuums, (likely using trash collection services with grey bins and yard bags) with consideration on what that means for the government departments and Republic Services contract, which is still in effect for this year and would be difficult to cancel.
Commissioner Albright will be back to update the committee on alternatives by October 11, two weeks before leaf collection services were slated to start.