Item B: Leaf Program Informational Update

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Eugene’s current leaf program runs for three months of the year (November through January). Each season, leaves are collected twice on more than 470 centerline miles of improved streets, including approximately 66 miles of streets with curbside bike lanes adjacent to several thousand homes and businesses. More than 8,000 curb-miles of streets are swept annually in support of the leaf program. About 80% of collected leaves are delivered to residents and community gardens, and the rest are recycled by the City; no leaf material goes to landfill. Eighty-five percent of residents are aware of the leaf program, according to a stormwater survey conducted in May 2009. Trends in the Program Three trends related to Eugene’s leaf program are worth noting in this report: ? Leaf volumes are likely to increase in the future. This is due in part to successful efforts to plant street trees (through volunteer programs such as NeighborWoods and through subdivision development codes). At the same time, Eugene’s urban forest and leaf canopy is maturing. ? Stormwater infrastructure and stormwater regulatory requirements continue to increase. The Public Works Department currently maintains 14,000 catch basins as part of the City’s flood drainage system, and the number is increasing as development occurs. The seasonal leaf program is an integral part of the success Eugene has had in managing the system and eliminating major flooding incidents within the city. On the regulatory side, NPDES water quality requirements continue to become more stringent. To date, Eugene’s leaf program has allowed the City to remain in compliance with those portions of the permit related to leaf pollution. ? The number of cyclists and on-street cycling facilities are increasing. Eugene currently has 113 centerline miles of designated bicycle routes and on-street bike lanes, including approximately 66 miles of curbside bike lanes. While there are no statistical data on bike crashes related to leaves in the street, there are reasonable concerns about debris/leaves forcing bicyclists into motorized vehicle travel lanes (particularly on streets with higher traffic volumes and speeds). These potential safety issues are compounded in the darker winter months when visibility is decreased. These factors have led the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and other cycling advocacy groups such as Greater Eugene Area Riders (GEARS) to recommend actions to improve cycling safety. Financial Considerations Funding for Eugene’s leaf program comes primarily from stormwater user fees. The program costs about $400,000 a year to operate, including 6,500 person hours, equipment, and recycling fees. This does not include the cost of street sweeping, which provides multiple benefits to the stormwater program and, therefore, is not considered exclusively a leaf program expense. Enforcement Considerations The Eugene Code does not specifically mention the disposal of leaves in the street. However, several sections of the Eugene Code could be interpreted as pertaining to leaf disposal. Chapter 5, Section 130, addresses the safety concern expressed by some cyclists: Obstructing Streets. (1)Except as authorized by the City and in a manner prescribed by the City and except as provided in section 4.855, no person shall obstruct the free movement of vehicles or pedestrians using the streets. Similar references to public safety and freedom from obstructions can be found in chapters 4 and 6 of the code. Chapter 6 makes it clear that “(t)he person responsible shall be liable for injury, damage or loss to Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090916\S090916B.doc