Committee votes to join staff review of branch/right-of-way pickup program

The Sandpoint Sustainability Committee voted to participate in a staff-led review of the city''branch (right-of-way) pickup program and to help research alternatives to burning and stockpiling.

Staff described the current program: crews collect storm/rights-of-way branches and hold them until stockpiles are burned. Public works staff estimated the taxpayer cost at about $30,000 for a one-week support operation, including wages and equipment, and said program misuse (residents leaving full-yard debris rather than limited right-of-way branches) is a recurring problem. "People are cleaning up their entire yard and expecting the city to pay," the street supervisor said, noting smoke, smoldering burns and damage to equipment increase costs.

Staff asked the committee for one or two volunteers to act as liaisons to explore options such as working with the University of Idaho AgCenter to repurpose material, coordinating with solid waste management, piloting dumpster drop-off locations and investigating whether the program can become a revenue stream instead of a general-fund expense.

A motion that the committee will participate in the branch-pickup review was made by a member and seconded; voice vote passed with recorded "aye" responses. Committee members discussed renaming the service (suggested: "right-of-way pickup") and agreed outreach and education as well as enforcement are necessary to prevent misuse.

Next steps: staff will confirm outreach and research partners and return with more specific cost options and a proposed work plan. The committee will provide liaisons and help craft public education materials.