Subject:
Title
Public Hearing for Leaf Mulch Program Alternatives
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.
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 mulc...
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