The Observation Deck

While shoveling snow yesterday, I realized that my leaves have still not been picked up. Does anyone have any insight into this? I know that a majority of peoples leaves were out on the tree lawns at least a month before the snow fell. It seems to me that unless you live on Lake or Clifton you do not get the same service. I also noticed that most other surrounding communities, with just as many trees, have had there leaves completely removed weeks ago.
Jerry

Per the official web page:

" The annual fall leaf collection program begins on the first Monday in November and continues for a minimum of three collections over a six week period. This schedule will generally be adjusted to account for interfering weather conditions"

On my street they only came by once, we got an early snow, so I have some buried leaves as well. Just have to wait for a melt then pick up the wet, rotting leaves off the now burnt grass and bag it at this point.

What's the solution? No idea. Maybe if they posted a "planned pick-ups" on the web, then Internet savvy residents could be better prepared. But if they only visit a street once before all the leaves fall, you're basically out of luck.

I love the idea that they would post on a web site when your street was going to get picked up. Then we would not be scrambling like crazy people to get to the pick up when you hear them in the early morning coming down the street. All the neighbors are running around like ants.

And if your not home...you loose!!!

A planned pick-up and information on that pick-up to the residents seems to be a no brainer!

I hope someone is listening!

Rhonda Loje

I have a LOT of buried leaves. But this year had complications. First, the leaves fell later this year, by maybe seven to ten days. Second, I spent Nov. 16 thru Nov 25th out of town. When I got back the snow was already down. I did clear some leaves once, before going out of town, but only once, and I have a lot left, a real mess. Although I think the internet alert is a good idea, it would not have helped me this year. And it won't help those who have others (e.g. services) handle their leaves.

Between the leaves dropping late and the snow starting early, the window during which one could clear leaves was considerably narrowed. That has made it difficult for the city and for the residents. Maybe the city can agree to a pickup next spring that won't require me to bag maybe 100 bags of leaves (I have seven mature oaks and maples). They did come by on my street on Monday the 5th (I think) and bag leaves, snow and all, so I doubt we'll get any help.

I think if the leaf-collection schedule was posted online, even with the caveat that it is only a plan and not a guarantee, it would help some people. Since they already have the information, it wouldn't cost anything to throw it up on the web. By encouraging net-connected government agencies to allow information to flow, I think the efficiency of a city is increased.

maybe citistat can work for this situation...this may be a good test department or area.

It just seems so simple to communicate to the residents. A simple planned schedule (even if it a few days off) would be better than what we have now.

It seems we need just a little more communication from our elected officials.

Rhonda Loje