Subject:
Title
Setting of Public Hearing on Leaf Collection and Mulching Program for March 21, 2022
Body
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
On April 19, 2021, Council held a Conference Session to hear a presentation on the updated draft leaf collection and mulching program evaluation from staff and our consultant.
Background:
For our current leaf collection program, residents rake leaves to the edge of the street. The Town uses three separate crews, each consisting of four employees (driver and three laborers) and a leaf loader trailing behind a tandem truck equipped with a leaf box to vacuum up the leaves. Other employees and equipment such as a supervisor, loader operator and loader are also used.
The leaves are collected until the end of December and stored at the Beulah Road site. We ground about 1/3 of what we collected in January this year and delivered to residents and one out-of-Town business throughout January, February and March. The remaining 2/3 were delivered to Loudoun Composting. In the past, we paid no dump fee. Last year we paid $9 per ton, and this year the price has jumped to $30 per ton.
The Town engaged NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC to evaluate the Town’s Leaf Collection Program and look at costs for the existing program, a short-haul alternative, and a long-haul alternative. The short-haul option eliminates mulch delivery while the long-haul option eliminates mulch delivery and the need to use the Beulah Road site. The report and council presentation will be attached with the public hearing agenda.
The report describes the amount of leaves we collect in cubic yards. One cubic yard is a cube that measures 3’ x 3’ x 3’. We collected 7,427 cubic yards during the 2020/2021 season. The total volume collected would fill the new gym at the community center 25’ deep in leaves.
For the 2020/2021 season:
• It took 364 tandem truckloads to collect the leaves
• We used a contractor to grind 2,500 cubic yards of leaves at the Beulah Road site
• We delivered 484 small truckloads of ground leaves to town residents
• We delivered 155 tandem loads of unground leaves to Loudoun Composting
As a result of this presentation and discussion, the Council expressed the desire to hold a public hearing to hear from all interested residents regarding an alternative leaf collection and mulch program before a decision is made on the way the program is run in the future.
Staff has met with a town resident, who has offered his time and skills, to collaborate with staff to run various cost scenarios for long-haul leaf collection options. A summary of the results will be presented to the Council at the public hearing.
Strategic Plan Initiative: Vienna and an influential and well-governed community.
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Finance Recommendation:
Purchasing Recommendation:
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town may set a public hearing to receive public input on leaf collection and mulching in the discretion of the Town Council.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council set a public hearing for March 7, 2022 to discuss the Lead Collection and Mulch Program, as presented.
Cost and Financing: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Decision Needed by This date: February 7, 2022
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to set a public hearing for March 21, 2022 to discuss the Leaf Collection and Mulch Program and authorize the Town Clerk to advertise the public hearing"
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.