Public Works explains leaf pickup, snow-plowing priorities and landfill improvements

Public Works Director Brian Steiman briefed council on winter operations, recent capital items and solid-waste efforts at the Dec. 2 meeting.

Steiman said the city received $800,000 in loan forgiveness for the West Hills Sewer Separation project, which reduces borrowing needs for that work. He explained leaf collection is reactionary, divided into eight zones and constrained by equipment and staffing; the city runs about four leaf-collection sets and borrows a fifth from Parks when needed. Heavy early snow before Thanksgiving forced staff to stop leaf collection and he said the city will consider an extended spring pickup.

Steiman described snow-removal priorities—emergency routes, central business district, residential streets and alleys—explained the brine pre-treatment and tandem plowing on primary routes, and urged patience as narrow streets and parked cars slow operations. He explained a 'pushback' policy (even/odd side parking during pushback operations) exists but is used sparingly.

On solid waste, Steiman reported improved performance from the new landfill contractor and described a demo of a slow-speed shredder that could reduce volume, improve compaction and extend cell life by an estimated 4–5 years; he said the equipment carries a significant price tag and will likely be considered during next year’s budget process.

Council members thanked staff for snow removal and discussed possible operational changes including shift timing, equipment options to reduce manual labor, and continued monitoring of leaf collection performance.