Public Works outlines spring leaf pickup, brush schedule, curbside bulk collection and river cleanup

Tom Hoffman, Director of Public Works, briefed the Village Board on March 16 about the department's spring operations and volunteer events.

Hoffman said a one-time spring leaf collection will run to pick up leaves plowed back into yards during autumn and winter weather. Residents should place leaves in the curb where there is curb-and-gutter by Sunday, April 12; crews will resume collection Monday, April 13 and aim to complete one quick pass through the village. He emphasized that leaves only (no brush or yard waste) should be placed in the street for this pickup.

The department's curbside brush collection will follow: place brush trimmed to 6 inches diameter or smaller, cut to 4-foot lengths and stacked parallel to the roadway on the terrace by Sunday, May 10; pickup begins Monday, May 11 and will take an estimated three to five weeks depending on volume. Hoffman asked residents not to mix brush and leaves and not to place brush in containers because crews use a tub grinder to process material into mulch.

Hoffman noted a free yard-waste permit that entitles residents to 35 visits (1 cubic yard per visit) at the Orchard Ridge drop-off (April 4'Dec. 5) and explained that curbside bulk collection with Waste Management is scheduled for Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 8; households are limited to two items and must schedule pickups between April 13 and May 1.

The department is hosting its seventh annual river and parks cleanup on Saturday, April 5 in Rotary Park in partnership with Riverkeepers; supplies and gloves are provided. Arbor Day and the village's Bird City observance will be Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m. at Rotary Park, with a proclamation and limited sapling giveaway.

Hoffman said the leaf/brush program and related communications (flyers, social media) aim to keep leaves out of storm drains and reduce phosphorus runoff to local waterways.