The question about leaf removal in Lexington has been officially decided. Large vacuum trucks will not be patrolling city streets to collect leaves this fall. Lexington City Council members were briefed on alternate plans earlier this week. Part of the strategy is to provide coupons for additional free brown leaf bags as well as shoots to hold bags open better.
Environmental Quality and Public Works Commissioner Nancy Albright said residents will be encouraged to keep their leaves and use them in their own yards.
“We do have long-term plans where we have discussed how to expand the programs where we teach people the best ways of using those leaves and how to combine them with other materials to make it more effective for their yard,” said Albright.
Bagged leaves will be picked up on regular collection days. Albright said yard waste will be collected all winter and tarped trailers and trucks with leaves can make a drop at the Haley Pike Landfill. One of the driving factors for the elimination of vacuum services is the pinch it puts on personnel. Albright said hopefully some additional seasonal workers can be hired.
Council Member Jennifer Reynolds said to proceed with the traditional vacuum program doesn’t seem like the best choice.
“I don’t want to pass something and move it forward that’s gonna cause more disruption, that the leaves won’t be picked up in the timely manner, where there’s going to be snow on top of the leaves. Where we’re not going to do a good job,” said Reynolds
The efficiency and timing of vacuuming have been discussed for several years. Nancy Albright said there will be a re-purposing of the contractor and payroll dollars.
