North Royalton committee weighs $1.5M–$3M leaf-collection proposal amid staffing and storage concerns

The Streets Committee discussed whether North Royalton should establish a city-run leaf-collection program, weighing a prior analysis that estimated costs and the impact on existing staff.

Councilor Gary Petrusky summarized figures from a 2024 report, saying the options “vary anywhere from $1.5 million to $3 million plus labor,” and that operating the service would require about “6–8 employees for 6–8 weeks,” which could deplete the Service Department’s 19–22 staff by about a third. Petrusky said the city would also need roughly two acres for temporary leaf storage and questioned whether the municipality has that space available.

Mayor Edward Antoskiewicz raised operational concerns including equipment storage and year-round staffing costs, noting that additional trucks and a new barn would be required and that temporary seasonal hires often lead to long-term personnel cost increases. He also said many private subdivisions and HOAs arrange for contractor pickup, reducing the pool of residents who would use a city service. Resident Linda Barath, who said she has lived in North Royalton for 42 years, urged caution and flagged the likely high cost to taxpayers.

Committee members discussed alternatives including phased equipment purchases, partnering with youth sports clubs for shared capital purchases, and contracting with private vendors. Councilor Paul Marnecheck suggested exploring whether clubs would commit personnel if the city supplied equipment; the mayor said negotiations are already underway with soccer and baseball clubs, though he reported baseball clubs were not currently interested in cost-sharing.

The committee did not vote to start a program. Members agreed to keep the item on the agenda for another month to collect more resident feedback and vet potential locations, costs, and operational models.