Agenda Item Wording:
title
Presentation and request for authorization to implement a Solid Waste Environment Enhancement Program (SWEEP) and appropriate $25,350 from the Solid Waste Enterprise fund (441).
body
Deadline for Action: 11/6/2023
Submitting Department: Public Works
Contact Name and Phone Number: Jason Serpa, Public Works Manager, jason.serpa@visalia.city, 559-713-4533; Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.city, 559-713-4052
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that Council direct staff to implement a Solid Waste Environment Enhancement Program (SWEEP) pilot program by utilizing budgeted ARPA funding, and appropriate $25,350 from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund (441).
Background Discussion:
In recent years, the City of Visalia has experienced an increase in trash and recyclables in the public right of way throughout the community. In most cases, these items are illegally dumped material on the side of the road, trash that has been taken out of cans or dumpsters and left on the ground, or windblown debris that ends up in the public right of way. This waste material and some recyclables ends up in public view, parks, or City streets, and most of it should have been transported to the landfill or theCity's contracted material recycling facilities.
Currently, staff from various departments assist with the issues or report them to a department that can help. However, this causes staff to be diverted from their primary job duties such as maintaining parks, trailways, streets, and code enforcement to address Solid Waste issues.
To address the City's need, staff is proposing the creation of the Solid Waste Environment Enhancement Program (SWEEP). The SWEEP program will be designed to immediately address blight that is created on a daily basis around the City, along with other duties that make these staff members the custodians of the public right of way. This program will ensure that streets and...
Click here for full text