Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1991 0206 CC REG ITEM 08EPAUL W. LAWRASON JF Mayor BERNARDO M.PEREZ Mayor Pro Tem SCOTT MONTGOMERY Councilmember JOHN E. WOZNIAK Councilmember LILLIAN KELLERMAN City Clerk MOORPARK MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA M E M O R A N D U M TO: The Honorable City Council FROM: Carolyn Greene Management Analyst DATE: January 31, 1991 9i g, 9(c� TEM G. E 6 STEVEN KUENY City Manager CHERYLJ.KANE City Attorney PATRICK RICHARDS, A.I.C.P. Director of Community Development JOHN F. KNIPE City Engineer JOHN V. GILLESPIE Chief of Police RICHARD T. HARE City Treasurer SUBJECT: FINAL REPORT — CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING PROGRAM The City sponsored its first Christmas Tree Recycling Program in December, 1990, and January, 1991, resulting in the recycling and landfill diversion of approximately 2,632 trees (30.16 tons). Utilizing statistics from the National Christmas Tree Association which indicate a ratio of one cut tree per 7.2 people, City staff estimated approximately 3,470 cut trees in Moorpark. The figure of 2,632 trees recycled this year represents about 76% of the total estimated number of trees in Moorpark households. Curbside and Drop Off Collection Program Moorpark Disposal and G.I. Rubbish reported that 1,752 trees were collected curbside in the college and downtown areas from December 26 until January 11, and approximately 880 trees were collected from drop off bins at North Meadows Park between December 29 and January 13. As precise counts from drop -off bins are difficult to determine, totals from drop -off bins are approximate, based on total tonnage and an average of 17.5 lbs. per tree. Trees not chipped at the park on January 5 were taken to the Simi Valley Landfill. No tipping fees were charged, and trees were ground in wood waste recycling machinery and used for ground cover. Publicity City staff planned a promotional campaign that included posters, fliers distributed at tree lots and throughout the community, a banner at North Meadows Park, paid advertisements and news releases. Letters were sent to 120 residents in the North Meadows Park area informing them of the January 5 chipping activity. 799 Moorpark Avenue Moorpark, California 93021 (805) 529 -6864 The Honorable City Council January 31, 1991 Page 2 Community Support City staff recruited community groups to monitor the North Meadows drop off site during the six days that it was open. Groups that responded included the Environmental Coalition (2 days), the Moorpark Kiwanis (2 days), the MOM's group, and the Moorpark Girl Scouts. Volunteers answered questions about the program, packed trees in bins and helped staff develop baseline statistics., Letters of appreciation have been sent to all volunteer groups. The City had been concerned about bins being used for trash dumping, and thus publicized that trees would be accepted during limited hours on weekends. However, many residents left trees before and after publicized hours, but there was no problem with illegal trash dumping. January 5 Chipping Day Unique to the Moorpark program was the scheduling' of one day in which all trees brought to North Meadows Park were ground on site and the chipped product offered to residents. This was also the single most successful day of the drop -off program, as 370 trees were brought to the site. Chips were taken by 85 residents; the remainder were taken to nearby ranches for various end uses. The chipping contractor, Bob's Tree Service of Simi Valley, donated all services and equipment and a letter of appreciation has been sent to him from the Mayor. There were no complaints from park neighbors regarding noise and all safety concerns were properly addressed. Costs The City budgeted $550 for program expenditures; the actual total spent was approximately $150 due to savings on posters, banners and the chipping operation. Initial costs from haulers did not account for lack of tipping fees or avoided disposal costs; staff is awaiting final totals. Future Recommendations The tree recycling program was planned in cooperation with the Countywide Recycling Consortium, a group which includes representatives from public agencies, Christmas tree vendors and end product users. Staff will continue to meet with this group to evaluate the first year program, and will work with haulers to plan next year's program. Decisions will be made in regard to future city -wide curbside collection and an increase in publicity efforts to further maximize community awareness and participation. The Honorable City Council January 31, 1991 Page 3 The first year Christmas Tree Recycling Program was definitely a success. Staff had originally estimated that approximately 40% of the City's trees would be recycled, and thus the actual 76% figure was much greater than anticipated. Resident input has been very favorable, and the community expects this to be an annual effort. Staff _Recommendation• Receive and file.