Community cleanup day hauls 27 tons; council discusses coupons, more events and park workdays
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Summary
Medical Lakes spring cleanup day removed 27.14 tons of debris at a cost of $2,579.39; council discussed expanding the program, possible waste-to-energy coupons, and organizing volunteer planting or city workdays to boost community ownership.
The citys recent community cleanup day collected 27.14 tons of material and used six roll-off dumpsters; staff said the haul cost $2,579.39. A separate shred day took 46 customers and filled about 14 bins.
Staff described the event as well-coordinated with Sunshine Disposal and said the turnout was strong; the 27.14 tons is a record compared with the prior years 25 tons. Staff presented options for improving or expanding the program, including a coupon system that would allow residents to haul limited loads to a waste-to-energy facility at no additional cost, holding two events per year (spring and fall), or offering coupons by request at city hall. Staff estimated combined costs for dumpsters, shredding and staff time at roughly $5,000 to $7,000 per cleanup event.
Councilmembers supported continuing the cleanup day and expressed interest in adding volunteer community workdays such as tree plantings and park beautification. "I would love to have the community members go out there with the... plant trees," one councilmember said, supporting events that build ownership and pride in shared spaces.
Staff will explore coupon agreements with haulers, possible expansion to a fall event, and workday logistics for planting and volunteer projects. Council indicated a preference to continue the current program and to return with options and cost estimates for expanded services and coupon programs for future budgeting.
