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New operations manager outlines swap‑shop tracking, higher pollutant collections and gate changes
Summary
A new operations manager reported higher attendance and pollutant pounds at the household pollutant collection facility, said a new gate will improve tracking of swap shop users, and staff plans a non‑invasive survey to learn more about visitors.
Bridal Lewis, the authority’s new operations manager for Stormwater Management Operations, told the board the household pollutant collection facility saw higher customer counts in May and more pounds of pollutants collected compared with last year.
“We've had 153 more customers than we did this time last year, which totaled to about 16,000 more pounds of pollutants collected,” Lewis said. Lewis also provided swap‑shop figures for May: 253 customers took roughly 1,060 items, totaling about 2,000 pounds of material redistributed at no cost.
To better track repeat visitors and swap‑shop usage, Lewis said staff installed a new gate and shifted the traffic pattern so all facility visitors pass through the main building. “Anyone visiting the facility will have to pass through the building. So anybody, even if they're visiting the swap shop...at least we'll get to 1 on 1 everybody who comes and visits,” Lewis said. Staff plan a brief, non‑invasive survey to gather information on swap‑shop users.
Board members acknowledged concerns about people collecting large quantities for resale or hoarding. A board member noted a past instance when hazardous materials collected at city events were later found at a structure fire; Lewis said staff want to avoid encouraging hoarding while preserving convenience for residents who use the free swap shop.
Lewis also offered to present a brief slide update on the Tulsa Cleanup program at a future meeting; the board agreed.
Lewis said he was filling the position after Scott Van Lew decided to retire. The board thanked outgoing members and staff for their service.
No formal action or vote was taken on the swap‑shop changes; staff said they will implement the gate change and begin surveys and will report back with updated numbers.
