La Grange approves $72,000 estimate leaf-hauling contract and begins discussion on program alternatives

The Village of La Grange Board approved a resolution authorizing a contract with Landscape Material and Firewood Sales Inc. to provide leaf-hauling and recycling services for the coming season. Staff said the vendor agreed to extend last year’s per-unit price of $900 per truckload; each truck carries 100 cubic yards and the village estimated up to 8,000 cubic yards of material this season, producing an estimated maximum hauling cost of $72,000. Actual costs will vary based on the total quantity collected.

Trustee Augustine successfully removed the item from the consent agenda to allow more discussion. Several trustees and commissioners pressed for consideration of program alternatives—bagging programs, curb-to-parkway collection, pay-as-you-throw garbage billing, or municipal composting—to reduce staff hours, emissions and storm-sewer impacts from raking leaves into streets. Trustee Thompson and members of the Environmental Quality Commission argued that street raking clogs storm sewers, creates hazardous conditions and increases truck miles and fuel burn; they urged staff to study alternative models for next year.

Despite the concerns, trustees voted to approve the contract for this season to ensure uninterrupted service while directing staff to assess modernized alternatives and include the topic in later strategic planning and budget discussions. Trustee Gail said the board should not withdraw the service midseason and recommended considering alternatives in upcoming planning sessions.