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Albany manager announces textile-recycling pilot, electric mowers and upcoming pavement and sidewalk work
Summary
City Manager updated the council on a new textile collection pilot with Waste Management and Goodwill, the rollout of electric riding mowers in Public Works, the Marin Avenue pavement rehabilitation project, Phase 10 of sidewalk rehabilitation and community programs and events.
City Manager (staff) told the Albany City Council on Sept. 2 that staff and contractors are launching a textile-collection pilot in partnership with Waste Management and Goodwill, and that the city is making other operational changes tied to climate commitments.
Under the textile pilot, residents will be able to place bagged textiles (clothing, sheets, blankets and other fibrous materials) on top of recycling containers for collection; Waste Management's website and direct mailers will provide details and outreach. The manager said Albany is the first city in the provider's regional service area to pilot the program.
The manager also confirmed the Public Works Department is using electric ride-on mowers to replace gas-powered equipment and reported positive early performance as part of the city's climate-action efforts. Public Works Director Mark Hurley said the department expects to complete a sidewalk-survey update by the end of the calendar year and plans to use updated criteria for future sidewalk rehabilitation rounds; Phase 10 of the sidewalk-rehab program is scheduled to begin this fall.
Hurley also described the Marin Avenue pavement rehabilitation, warning neighbors that traffic in the area will be complicated but that contractor signage and access to Marin School crossing will be maintained. The city manager noted a busy events calendar (concerts in the park and "Dinner with Albany" sold out quickly) and welcomed Dina Tassini as the new Community Development Director.
Members of the public praised the textile pilot and asked for additional outreach and clarification about the program timeline; the city manager said mailers and online information would be forthcoming. In public comment, resident Lucinda Young asked about outreach and also later returned to ask about EV-charging plans; the manager said staff are pursuing options with businesses to expand charging in private parking lots.
Why it matters: The textile pilot and the move to electric equipment are small operational steps that support the city's climate and waste-diversion goals; pavement and sidewalk projects are longer-term capital investments that will affect travel and access in neighborhoods.
What's next: Staff will publish program details for the textile pilot, begin Marin Avenue construction and begin Phase 10 of the sidewalk program this fall. Additional outreach on EV-charging and the sidewalk-survey results were requested by council members and residents.
