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City manager: leaf pickups delayed after equipment issues; residents asked to be patient
Summary
Clayton’s city manager and public-works staff reported leaf-collection delays caused by equipment failures and heavy workload, saying two machines were out of service at times and crews are working roughly 260 roads; officials asked residents to be patient and requested an explanatory website posting. Residents will also see a 6¢ quarterly sanitation-bill increase in 2026 tied to a state-approved fee.
City staff told the Clayton City Council that leaf-collection has fallen behind because of equipment failures and high demand, and asked residents to be patient while crews work to complete pickups.
City manager Elaine introduced Randy from public works to give the update. Randy said the city had been operating with two machines, one went down in midseason and a newly delivered machine initially had hydraulic problems and was returned before being repaired and put back into service. "I have no good news," he said, noting the workload: "I've got literally 1 crew that has been working all the leaves for 260 roads. And it is in 200 lane miles. It's almost impossible to get that done with 1 crew." He said the city expects additional machine availability the following Monday or Tuesday and again asked residents to be patient and avoid overwhelming the front office with calls.
A council member asked that an explanation be posted on the city website to reduce calls to city offices; staff confirmed they will communicate updates. Randy also described neighboring Inglewood's similar problems and explained that frozen leaves attached to snow can plug equipment and prevent pickups.
Separately, Elaine told council that residents will see a 6¢ increase on the quarterly sanitation bill beginning in 2026. She said that change stems from a state-approved fee rather than a direct action by the city or its contractor, Rumpke.
Council members repeatedly thanked public-works staff and other city employees for snow and cleanup efforts during council comments following the report. The meeting concluded with holiday remarks and a motion to adjourn.
