HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Newsletter - 10/27/05
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
October 27, 2005
City of Eugene
777 Pearl Street, Room 105
Eugene, Oregon 97401-2793
(541) 682-5010
(541) 682-5414 (FAX)
www.eugene-or.gov
IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION
LEAF PROGRAM EMPHASIZES VALUE OF RECYCLING
100 VOLUNTEERS LEND A HAND AT RIVERPLAY PLAYGROUND
CELEBRATE TWO NATIONS: A NEW FRIENDSHIP WITH THAILAND AND ITS KING
AROUND THE CITY
Leaf Program Emphasizes Value of Recycling
Eugene kicks off its annual leaf collection and delivery program on
October 31 in west Eugene. This program provides an opportunity to
educate the community about the value of composting and using leaves
to extract their nutrients and help recharge soil. In addition, through this
unique partnership with local residents, the Public Works Department is
able to keep flooding under control, beautify the city and recycle a
valuable natural resource.
The stormwater-funded program has been available to Eugene citizens
since the late 1960s. Traditionally, the program’s focus has been on
preventing street flooding caused by clogged gutters, catch basins, and storm drains. It now also
facilitates the use of recycled leaves by delivering them to residents, the City's community gardens and
community groups such as Food for Lane County, and commercial recyclers, who use them as mulch or
compost. Leaves that aren’t delivered are recycled as compost material. If residents are unable to use
or recycle their leaves, the City urges safe placement of leaf piles in the street for pickup.
Public Works crews will collect leaves in every Eugene neighborhood twice between October 31 and
January 20. The schedule is as follows:
First Round Second Round
Oct. 31 through Nov. 4 - west Eugene Dec. 12 through Dec. 16 - west Eugene
Nov. 7 through Nov. 11 – central Eugene Dec. 19 through Dec. 30 - central Eugene
Nov. 14 through Nov. 18 – north Eugene Jan. 2 through Jan. 6 - north Eugene
Nov. 21 through Dec. 2 – southeast Eugene Jan. 9 through Jan. 13 - southeast Eugene
Dec. 5 through Dec. 9 – southwest Eugene Jan. 16 through Jan. 20 - southwest Eugene
Last season, Public Works crews collected approximately 15,000 cubic yards of leaves. Although many
property owners used their own leaves as compost, the amount collected by City crews increased by
approximately 2,700 cubic yards from the previous year, in part because of a heavier leaf drop. Of the
leaves collected in FY05, more than 4,300 cubic yards were delivered to residents to be used as mulch
and compost material, 4,525 cubic yards went to community gardens, 4,399 cubic yards went to
commercial recyclers, and 1,780 cubic yards were composted and used on City parkland. All leaves
collected through this program are recycled so that leaves do not end up in the county landfill.
Flyers with a collection schedule map and additional information have been placed in the Council Office.
For more information, contact Tony Jobanek, leaf program coordinator, at 682-4800.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 1
October 27, 2005
100 Volunteers Lend a Hand at RiverPlay Playground
Last Saturday, families, student groups, Brownie troups, and individuals ranging in age from 4 to 80
spent the morning constructing and installing all of the remaining benches, picnic tables, bike racks, and
swing sets, as well as planting over 1,000 varieties of local trees and shrubs at RiverPlay Playground.
For more information about RiverPlay, contact Carrie Peterson, park development coordinator, at 682-
4907.
Celebrate Two Nations: A New Friendship with Thailand and its King
Thailand's royal family and the Grand Chamberlain of Thailand have announced a generous gift of books
and other media to the Eugene Public Library and Springfield Public Library. Join Eugene Mayor Kitty
Piercy and Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken to welcome and say kob khun (thank you) to the Thai
dignitaries, on First Friday, November 4, 5:00 p.m., at the Downtown Eugene Public Library. Those
attending will also enjoy performances of classical Thai music and dance, and a Thai display.
This gift is made in honor of the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol's accession to the throne, and in
connection with the U.S.-Thai Distance Learning Organization's collaboration with the University of
Oregon. The event is intended to demonstrate Eugene-Springfield's appreciation for the gift and interest
in pursuing a closer relationship with Thailand.
King Bhumibol is the head of state in Thailand's constitutional monarchy, and is celebrated for ushering
democracy into his country and helping to maintain it for the 60 years since his ascension to the throne.
He is known for his belief in building the nation by supporting local communities—a philosophy reflected
in this gift.
Also on the evening of November 4, the Lane Arts Council's First Friday ArtWalk begins at the
Downtown Library at 5:30 with the Art Totes display co-hosted by Lane County Commissioner Pete
Sorenson and artist Bob DeVine. Give 50+ artists the same canvas book bag and what do you get? A
delightfully diverse community art project showcasing local talent in paint, photography, fiber,
calligraphy, printing, quilting, collage, and more. Visit the display any time in November, then bid on
your favorites at the Eugene Public Library Foundation's Authors & Artists Fair on Saturday, December
3, 7:00 -10:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Eugene Public Library at 682-5450.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
October 27, 2005