Loading...
Memo Yard Waste I' e CITY OF HOPKINS MEMORANDUM DATE: March 1, 1994 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Lee Gustafson, Public Works Director~ SUBJECT: Yard Waste and Brush Issues and Options Purpose The purpose of this workshop is to update the Council on current Yard Waste and Brush practices and to propose some procedural changes along with educational opportunities. staff is proposing these changes ln an effort to comply with the legislative mandates of visible costs for solid waste collection, waste reduction, and the requirement that the fees charged increase by the volume or weight collected. staff is also responding to information derived from the recent refuse survey we conducted in August of 1993. 4It The first two sections of information will outline current yard waste and brush related services provided by the city and recommend improvements. Improvements recommended are intended to incorporate user fees for services, along with free service opportunities throughout the season. The third section will outline a proposed community educational program on Yard Waste management. e Memo'March 1, 1994 Page 2 . SECTION I service: Yard Waste Pick-up Budget Fund: Refuse utility Amount Collected: 1200 tons Cost: Approximately $S6,ooO/year - Includes Fall leaf pick up costs Current Cost to Resident: $0 proposed Cost to Resident: $1.00 per bag/sticker system during summer months plus free alternatives all year Background: The city began providing yard waste collection in the fall only, over 25 years ago as a General Fund Public Works street cleaning function. All other summer generat- .Lon of grass '-ind leaves was collected along with regular refuse. In ...387 the city began collecting all yard waste separate from regular household refuse on a call-in basis. In 1989 we switched to the current system which is collection the same day as regular refuse. The leaves and yard waste picked-up are stored at our gravel pit and given away free to anyone after the material has been composted. . The cost of providing this service was originally offset by the reduction in landfill tipping fees. Then in 1989 legislation banned this material from landfills and separate collection was required. State law requires that yard waste not be collected with regular refuse that is sent to landfills and incinerators. Because of this legislation, in 1989 Hennepin County began funding yard waste collection programs which gave the ~ity $31,000 per year in funding assistance for yard waste collecticc Beginning in 1994 this funding assistance from the County will no longer be available. Considerations; 0 Funding loss of oVe~ $31,000. 0 Most residents do not bag grass, only leaves in the fall. This was shown by responses to our refuse survey. Only 20% of the residents regularly use this service. A user fee would make those who use it the most pay for the service. - Should yard waste collection move towards becoming a more user fee based service? Ideally, staff would like to see yard waste converted over to be a more user fee based system. This would hopefully reduce the number of piCk ups, and possibly reduce the number of back injuries the city experiences each year associated with this . service. It would also make those who use the service pay for it, and possibly help promote recycling by giving incentive for people to leave their lawn clippings on their grass. Memo March 1, 1994 Page 3 To accomplish this staff would propose free curbside collection e of yard waste in the Spring from April 15 through May 15 and then again in the Fall from October 15 through November 15. We would also offer a free drop off on saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p. m. and on Wednesday evenings from 3: 00 p.m. to 6: 00 p. m. throughout the season. The free drop off would be held at Public Works, where residents could bring their yard waste in bags or liftable containers, to the site and deposit them right into a truck. The city would them take them out to our compost site for composting. Any resident desiring curbside collection of bagged grass/leaves throughout the other summer months would be required to purchase stickers at a cost of $1.00 per bag of yard waste. These stickers would be made available through the receptionist either by calling. and having them mailed and billed to their account, or by coming in to purchase them directly. Recommendation: o continue to pick up bagged leaves free in the spring (April 15- May 15) and in the fall (October IS-November 30) using current methods, including the street collection in Belgrove, Interlachen, and Hobby Acres. o Charge $1.00 per bag for pick up - sticker system from May 15 - October 15. o Implement free drop off from May 15 through October 15 on e Saturdays from 10-2 and Wednesdays evenings from 3-6 o Provide five (5) free yard waste stickers to all residential customers to ease the transition into the new program. e Memo March 1, 1994 Page 4 . SECTION II Service: Brush Pick-up Budget Fund: General - P.W. Tree Service Amount Collected: 400 tons (includes diseased tree tons collected) Cost of Service: Approximately $30,000 Current Cost to Resident: $0 Proposed Cost to Resident: $10.00 per stop/pick-up from May 15 - October 15 Background: The city has provided brush pick-up at the curb since 1972 as part of the General Fund Public Works tree service function. Beginning with the 1994 budget the costs a~sociated with weekly brush pick up were removed from Tree Service and put into a separate Brush service budget. This new budget will reflect costs associated with weekly brush collection only. Current 1 " brush is collected every Friday on a call-in basis throughout the y.:,"--. At this time we are averaging 150 stops per week from May through October, and 20 to 40 during the rest of the year. The brush is chipped or burned at our gravel pit. . This program has been effective in keeping the trees and yards in a neat condition. Considerations; 0 We may have difficulty in the future burning brush if restrictions are tightened by the peA and/or complaints of nearby residents become too frequent. 0 This material is banned from disposal along with regular household refuse. Because of this the number of stops has increased as residents ".'I~.O were accustomed to putting small amounts in their refu~~ ~."tainer are no longer allowed to. 0 Hopkins is one of the few cities collecting brush as a general tax expense. Some cities provide locations for drop off by residents and licensed refuse haulers. The County contracts to provide a drop off location in Maple Grove for all haulers and residents. Charges for this vary with size and type of material. Most cities require brush to be picked up as part of regular refuse. . ---- Memo March 1, 1994 Page 5 - Should brush pick up move towards becoming a more user fee based . service? Our current equipment allows us to perform this service without major difficulty. However, the increased number of stops and quantities collected are consequently increasing the manpower requirements, and performance is somewhat difficult when combined with yard waste pick-up. A pick-up charge of 10 dollars per stop could be initiated to help defray part or all of the costs, and give incentive for residents to combine their loads with neighbors or possibly use a free drop off. A brush pick up charge would be helpful in equalizing the work load. This charge could generate 10 to 20 thousand dollars and provide partial funding for the cost of providing this service. The Brush service budget would be moved into the Refuse utility to handle the fees collected and serve more as an enterprise fund. Recommendation: 0 Free pick up from October 15 - May 15 0 Charge $10.00 per pick up from May 15 - October 15 0 Implement free drop off from May 15 through October 15 on Saturdays from 10-2 and Wednesdays evenings from 3-6 to coincide with yard waste. . 0 Move Brush Service into the Refuse utility SUMMARY SECTION I & II The recommendations as outlined above are proposed in an effort to alleviate problems associated with our current programs. Some of the recommendations are made in an attempt to comply with legislative mandates of waste reduction and visible costs. Other are made as a result of resident responses to our refuse survey. Moving to a user based fee system will place more of the costs for programs onto the residents that use them. It will also encourage residents to leave clippings on the lawn. User fees for yard waste and brush should be considered as an method to keep the refuse rate in compliance with mandated volume based fees. e Memo March 1, 1994 Page 6 . SECTION III Service: Community Education Program on Lawn Care Budget Fund: Refuse utility/Yard Waste fund Program Cost: $15,000 Cost to Resident: $0 Part of refuse fee Background: See attached Council Report. Considerations: o Possibility of user fee's attached to yard waste collection o Waste reduction currently number one on Office of Waste Management Hierarchy - Should staff proceed with efforts to implement this program? As outlined in the Council Report, it is staff's opinion that an education program, conducted in conjunction with possible user fee implementation, would give residents an opportunity to learn how to eliminate the need to bag grass during the season. . Recommendatior.: o Direct staff to proceed with program as outlined in Council Report o Schedule this as agenda item for March 15 consideration. . ..- - March 15, 1994 Council Report: 94-now . AUTHORIZING IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM ON LAWN CARE AND YARD WASTE MANAGEMENT Proposed Action. Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: "Authorize staff to implement a Community Environmental Solutions Proqram to educate Hopkins residents on Lawn Care and Yard Waste Management durinq March of 1994 . at the Premium Level offered by Toro Company at a cost of $1.000." Overview. In an effort to educate the citizens of Hopkins on how to reduce their need to bag grass and leaves staff has been reviewing a program offered by Toro Company. This program works in cooperation with our local Toro distributor; Hance Hardware, to educate residents by offering an educational seminar, and the use of Taro Recycler mowers. Staff has opted for the Premium Participation Level, as described herein, in an effort to offer this program to as many residents as . possible. Primary Issues to Consider 0 How will this program benefit the City of Hopkins and it's residents? 0 What are the total costs involved for the City of Hopkins and how will this program be funded? 0 What is the schedule for implementation? 0 What potential future programs could result from this program? 0 What incentives would be offered for residents to attend the seminar? Supporting Information 0 Detailed Background 0 Analysis of Issues 0 1994 Toro Community Environmental Solutions Program Outline 0 Hutchison Program sign up form and results 0 Video Kathy A. Max, Recycling Coordinator . Council Report: 94-now Page 2 . Detailed Background Gary Plotz, Administrator for the City of Hutchison spoke at a recent conference that staff attended. He spoke about the yard waste education seminar the City of Hutchison hosted as an attempt to more effectively manage the yard waste in his city. He was very pleased with the results. Later in the year, Mark Smiler from Taro, and Darrell Cole from the local Hance Hardware store met with staff to discuss possible implementation of a similar program in Hopkins. Since the City of Hopkins collects and manages the yard waste for it's residents this education program seemed a viable tool to help us reduce the amount of yard waste we must collect each year. Attached to the back of this report is information prepared by Toro Co. explaining the program specifics. Analysis of Issues o How will this program benefit the City of Hopkins and it's residents? . This program would be of benefit to Hopkins residents by providing an educational tool for them to understand the benefits of composting and mulching lawn mowers. The program would be limited to the fir Jt 200 residents that return a registration form. Three lucky winners will benefit from the free door prizes. Up to 75 residents, chosen through a random drawing at the seminar, would have the use of a mower for a 30-45 day period during the lawn care season. Although Toro would be involved, it is our intention to have a lawn care professional there as well. This will allow .residents access to a professional lawn care specialist and keep residents from thinking that the program is just a sales pitch for Toro. Long term benefits would be thicker healthier lawns, a reduction in the city's yard waste collection costs which are passed on to residents, and the opportunity to get a reduced rate on purchase of a Recycler mower. o What are the total costs involved for the City of Hopkins? The initial costs involved for the program level desired would be $1,000. This cost would include three give-a-way prizes; a Yard Cycler compost bin, Leaf blower, and Recycler mower. It would also cover the it9IDs listed under Premium on the attached outline. After ccnpletion of the program the city would be responsible for purchase of the mowers used during the . demonstration period. In discussions with Mark Smiler and Darrell Cole the city can handle this in a couple ways. 1) We could purchase the mowers outright and either use them by city staff or raffle them off to seminar participants. 2} Darrell Cole has offered to keep the mowers and offer them for sale --- - council Report: 94-now Page 3 through his store any not sold the city would have to pay for. . It is possible that if the program is successful, as in the case of the City of Hutchison, almost all of the residents that used the mowers will purchase them at the end of the season at a reduced cost. In addition to the items provided through the Toro program, it is staffs desire to offer each resident a rebate of $25 towards purchase of a recycler mower. Not only would this encourage attendance at the seminar, it would also encourage residents to purchase these items that could potentially reduce our yard waste management costs. In conclusion the cost break down would potentially be as follows Initial Premium level program costs 1,000 Staff overtime 200 Lawn Care professional 200 Mower Purchase 6,975 Mower Rebate (1 per HH $25 - 200 HH) 5,000 SUB-TOTAL 13,375 Mower Sales - 6,975 TOTAL 6,400 o What is the schedule for implementation? February 14 Meetings with Toro & Hance representatives 4Il March 15 Council Approval March 16 Mail brochures/place ads April 9 Community Education Seminar April 15 - sept 1 Mower use periods o How will this program be funded? This program could be funded by the fund balance of the Refuse Utility Fund. The Refuse Utility Fund should easily be able to cover the entire cost of the program even if the city ends up purchasing some of the mulching mowers. o What potential future programs could result from this program? If successful, Hopkins would look at offering this educational program in future years if available. By offering it each year we would be able to educate more residents and reach residents new to our city. o What incentives would be offered for residents to attend the seminar? Along with the incentives of the chance at using a Toro mulching mower, a chance at winning a door prize, and simply a free yard ... waste education opportunity, staff 1S proposing to offer a free ... month of refuse service as incentive to attend the seminar. , 1 Introduction: Environmental Problem This guide deals with Solutions -- solutions to the landfill crisis, solutions to a beautiful, natural lawn, solutions to how best to educate our neighbors about the benefits of not sending their yard waste, such as grass clippings and leaves, to the landfill. Our nation's landfills are filling up rapidly. How quickly? If the nation as a whole does not begin reducing its waste that it sends to the landfills, the majority of our current landfills will overflow before the end of the century. There are a great variety of materials placed in landfills. Some recyclable; some not. However, during the summer months, an estimated 40% of all waste sent to our landfills is yard waste! That's 40% more room we can make in our landfills by not bagging yard debris, mainly grass clippings. . Not only is this yard debris taking up valuable landfill space, but it also costs local governments thousands of dollars for the pick up and transportation of the clippings and yard debris to these landfills. Community Environmental Solutions: I I Turf grass management has evolved with the golf course. The golf course has always represented the "state of the art." Most of us admire the rich, green fairways and, perhaps, wish our lawns could look the same. The basic turf grass management principles that were used to develop the great golf courses across the nation are exactly the same as those that should apply to the management of the home lawn. None of the text books or any of the research papers ever written about turf grass maintenance suggest that the bagging of grass clippings is a necessary part of lawn care. The return of grass clippings to the lawn and eventually to the soil has always been considered to be a naturally accepted part of maintaining a lawn by the true turf grass experts. Grass clippings are a valuable resource. They usually contain over 4% . nitrogen, about 2% potassium and around 0.5% phosphorous, as well as lesser amounts of the other essential plant nutrients. Made up of 80% water, these i clippings are rapidly attacked by bacteria and fungi which cause their fast ( decomposition. They do not contribute to thatch. Thatch results from the . abnormally fast growth of tissues high in lignin such as roots, rhizomes, stolons and crowns. While the thatch issue has always been associated with the return of clippings to the lawn, clippings and thatch are simply not correlated. It's to the advantage of every community to reduce the demands on its solid waste facilities and to extend the life of its landfills as long as possible. In the case of grass clippings, the homeowner must be shown how to manage a lawn without using the bagging attachment. Toro Lawn Care Program Mission The Taro Company aspires to partner with local city and county governments across the country to educate homeowners regarding the entire yard waste recycling effort: mulching, compo sting and fertilizing. Our goal is to eliminate all organic yard waste sent to public and private landfills. The environmentally safe reduction of green waste is now and will continue to . be a major responsibility that befalls us all, as members of the environmental community. Toro will meet this challenge with products that offer solutions to our environmental dilemmas. Toro Company Positioning Toro's mission is to beautify and enrich the outdoor environment-make the landscape green, healthy and safe-with superior quality, innovative and environmentally sound products, services and systems. We believe to consumers the environment is as much about the grass under foot and the trees outside the front door as it is about acid rain and global wanning. To Taro the environment is about healthy grass, clean water and fresh air. The Taro Lawn Care Program Guide involves media, educational brochures, demonstration lawns, people and participatory activities. . ,- 2 Program Planning Guide A. An Overview The T ora Lawn Care (TLC) Program was developed first and foremost to reduce the amount of grass clippings sent to landfills, while still maintaining a beautiful lawn. To do this, homeowners must be educated about the benefits of leaving recycled grass clippings on their lawns. Not only do recycled grass clippings act as a fertilizer, but it also saves time; up to 38%. That's the reason for the Taro Lawn Care Guide: to assist in the development of a program that educates people about the landfill situation and about alternatives to sending their clippings to the landfill. How is this done? 1n a nutshell, the Taro Company offers its Recyc1er@ mowers to communities at a substantially reduced cost. In . return, the community, using this guide as an outline, educates its citizens about the attributes of not bagging their grass clippings through the use of demonstration lawns. As a bonus, participants will receive a rebate certificate that can be used to purchase additional Taro products to assist in their organic recycling efforts. The three different community participation levels are outlined on the following page. As you will read in the following "Steps" section, the community chooses participating homeowners to demonstrate the recycling process to the neighborhood. A small sign signifying each TLC demonstration lawn will be placed in the yard to encourage discussions. During the program, the community will publicize the program to attract more attention to the organic recycling process. Questionnaires will be sent out so that the community can monitor the education process. . At the end of the program, participants will have the choice of either purchasing the mower, or simply returning it to the community. I I .---- ( Along the way, feel free to call one of the Toro representatives or . other community participants for advice. Their phone numbers are listed in this guide. Together with communities that have already successfully participated in the TLC program, we feel we have put together a solid solution to addressing yard waste. Of course, if you have any suggestions along the way, please call us. Wetre always looking for ways to reduce waste and improve our nation's recycling efforts. . . ( ,. ... G.) ~ ~ ~- ~o- 2 ~ '" u:E~ '" 8 ~ >....G.) ~ Vl 0 lI"'l a.l U &-g a.l N V"l N >- >- >- - ~ V"l - "8~~ ~ =- "'0P::: >-Vl QO ... Q a.l ~ l!... ~ ~ a.l,2 < u 8 "U-E 8 CI:: z 0 0 0 '" '" '" a.l G) >'G.) a.l t.:l < N ..,. N >- >- Uo.. >- V"l 0 ~ 0 "Q;::l ~ - ;tIJ CI:: =- ~ >-0 lI"'l tI'J QO Z 0 - S l! ,...J ... 0 '-l 0 ~ tI'J 8. '" '" u '" 0 ,...J 'f, V"l 0 V"l a.l a.l >. G.) 0 -<t - I"'l - >- >- U >- - < V"l "Q ~ ~ CQ ... '" . >- ~ Z 0 ,...J ~ ~ > W Z ,...J tl:J Z ;;.- 0 t:: - E- ~ -< rJJ =- ,...J - -< ::; U - - ~ ~ '" 0 W I: U E- .9 -< -< 'S 8 =- 0 ~ ~ a] CI:: E- o -", -;;; ~ s~ Z E- .!; ] 0 ~ 2 0 ..,. '" VI c.. Z .... fr'J~~ tI'J "E 8"'0 - ~ Q.l c.. S ~ 0 :;l: as ,...J -g~ - <II ~ 1:'- - ~.s 0"::' CI:I - 0 '<ij 8 -< tI'J ... VI ~ ~ E- :E - "'Oc G).::! '-"'0 -< CI:: .- 0 E't: r.;l :> '" - ... "8..c:: :>.- VI I:a.l c:: CI:: ~ ~-;:- '" u W o~ I: ~ a;; .~ U-l..c:: ~ ~ .....- E- >.~ E- ~ e .... .- Q.l E- ... >.Il) a: [J') j :=3: a.l .... -<: '" '" VI .- 8 0.. '2 ~ 0 Z 1::0 8..2 ~ ]8 Il) :> 0<1 W 0 .... ~E '" ~Ci: ~ >. ;::l"";;; U :; .... 0 ~ 0<1 ~~ ~ tt ... .c-g ...J u- CO 3: ;;.- 0 I! 8- I: N <: 0-- di o is. ~ E- U tl:J Q.l e .g's z ....0 .... '" ... >- :> 0'" - Q -g ;::l~ 0 ,:nD '" ~~ t: u:::: ,...J :; "'0 ...~ ~ 0 0<1 -<: E- 1cl 1::", "'- - a.l... ~ 0:::1 ...", ':'VI c.. -< :::I,:, ~ :::I E- EiS OJ) f-t=: U P::: ZN e G)'" ,S <lI - 0 ...u CI:: ~ ~~ a~ o::l ~E U t.:l Q 0 o~ :; =:: i: :5"8 ~ - ... ... ~ ~ . 0 0 0 0 II.l 0 0 'I: ::l ~ ~ [- f- Cl ~ U 0.- f-iS. 0 :E 0 =- u ~ . ( . ... I- Q) .a 0 - 0 0 ....... ... Q) .a E Q) - a. N Q) .., en ,:, ....... - u;: ':l ':l ~ ....... to ~ 0 -'< ':l u ...., :;;: ..... e Q) c :J C E ':l --, E I 0 ~ u .2 - (5 - "8. . '" .:<: 0 Ql Ql >- 3: C 0- -0 :E ~ :5 00 ..Q .0 > ...... 0 E 0 -0 0 Q) 0 Q '" 'TJ c. C Ll'l (]) 0 ~ u E- o- c :J :J o OJ Ol 0 '" (]) C (!) C C '" C C OO+=C 0 += ..c (]) c Ll o.UOlO 0) c 0:s:2:0::: 0 Eo-Ole C 8l o ~ c .- .c ~ QlcQ 0- 'E 0l3C- C 0 (]) Q o..Q.g 6 > 0-:2:0...0... C :E "0 <co:iuci <t: C - 0.. VI - C .:.:: c Q) Q) Ul Q) E Q) c E U E :: .Q - :t: ':l Q) "E 0 '0 0 C , '0 I 0 c E .:.:: ~ ~ .c Q) 0 ~ VI ':l - G:I 0 Ol Qi 0 ~ VI Q) en U '0 G:I "> c::: . C 0 ~ .... G:I c::: 0 G:I C 'E c ~ Qi E . :0 C 0 0 eo:: C> ( ~ 0 c c Q) ':l "S ~ Ul E E .E a.. E z c a. a. :E E . "in C C c: i= C (3 "0 E .a c::: >- ... ... c::: .:.:: c::: ;:: := t ";;;: - c C> c . VI e c .... Q) 0 ~ u 0 e ii: C\I 0 0 c::: 0 ii: :( U ....I ~ ... CD l- e.. CL.. CL.. 0 l- e.. 0- . . . . 2 Program Planning Guide \ c. Steps The following steps to the Toro Lawn Care Program will guide both the distributor and the local government participants, to maximize the program's effectiveness and exposure. Contents: 1. Planning A. Program Options B. Mower Purchase Options C. Planning Meeting D. Publicity Planning 2. Participant Recruitment . 3. Selection 4. Notification 5. Community Kick-Off 6. Distribution of Products & Rebate Coupons 7. Follow-up analysis 8. Program Review . I \ ..- - . " . ( 1. PLANNING Before signing up your fust participant, take time to make a plan unique to your community. Prepare the plan thoroughly to eliminate any unpleasant surprises. Also, a few key decisions will have to be made as well. A. Program Options After reviewing the program options listed in the table provided in section 2A decide on the appropriate level for your community's involvement. There are three participation levels: . Basic Level . Enhanced Level . Premium Level B. Mower Purchase Options The Recyler mower can be made available to participants in the following ways: . The community purchases the Recyclers from the regional Toro . distributor at a price of $ 279.00 per mower before the program begins. . Participants purchase from the local Taro dealer at a cost of $299.00 per mower at the end of the program. The community agrees to purchase unsold mowers at the same cost. . The local Taro dealer works with the community to sell the mowers not purchased by participants at the dealer's store. C. Planning Meeting Approximately three weeks before participant recruitment, a TLC planning meeting should be held to organize the upcoming steps. By meeting with all involved parties, a realistic timeline can be developed. Invited parties should include the Taro representative and the community TLC director/coordinator. Also, involve as many outside parties from the community as possible. They will alert you to potential pitfalls and assure a smooth running program with few surprises. D. Publicity Planning . l Once dates are set for upcoming steps, take time out to think about publicity planning. After all, the program's goal is to educate as many community ......,- --- -- .,-- '. . ~-- ------- --- , members as possible. Alert the media about the formation of the program. They can in turn get the word out that you are looking for participants. 2. PARTICIPANT SELECTION Selecting the designated number of people needed can be accomplished in a few different ways. They follow: 1. Run an ad in your local newspaper describing the program and asking for volunteers. Include a coupon that can be filled out with name, address and phone number to be returned via maiL 2. Organize an informational meeting. Invite all interested parties and choose volunteers according to their address and other qualifications. 3. Have local Taro dealer(s) advertise program, within the store and fill out a form. All applicants could then be drawn from a barrel and winners notified e 4. Have interested participants call city hall. Each inquiry then becomes eligible. 3. PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT In order for the program to achieve its goals, all participants must satisfy the certain requirements. Each participant can be selected by means of a drawing from interested parties who have expressed interest in the program. Try to select homes which geographically cover the city/county as thoroughly as possible. These requirements are as follows: ~ The participant must own or rent residential property with a lawn having frontage on a public street. ~ The participant must guarantee to use the mower for 100% of the yard's mowing activities. ~ Prior to receiving the Taro Recycler II mower, the participant must attend an organizational meeting. ~ The participant must follow the mowing techniques outlined by Taro. This . includes safety regulations, mowing frequency. etc. Should questions arise about the equipment during the program. the participant should contact the I participating Toro dealer. \ ~- -- .--- -- --- ~. The participant must place the provided sign on the yard in a visible . ( location. ~ The participant must maintain the yard's appearance. ~ The participant must be willing to discuss the program with inquiring people such as neighbors. ~ The participant must allow the property to be publicized and photographed. <> A representative will arrange with each participant specific information regarding the delivery and pick up of the mowers. 4. ALERT THE MEDIA AND LOCAL OFFICIALS With the press releases located in the back of this guide, alert the media, and thus the public, to your kick-off meeting. Also, invite as many local officials as possible. This will further entice media to cover the event. Not only will the participants receive their mower (or mower pick-up certificate) at this time, but all other community members should be invited to learn more about recycling yard debris, as well as our landfill problem. Hand - out the literature provided with the TLC program. Literature examples are located in Section 5. Remember, the goal of the program is to reduce yard debris sent to the landfill, whether by participants or non-participants. Not only will the media be excited about the educational program, but the Kick-Off makes a wonderful visual for photographs, especially if local officials are there. Additionally, the appropriate Toro products (Recycler mower, SuperB lower 850 shredder/vac and/or YardCyclef'Bl compost bin) should be gIVen away. 5. COMMUNITY KICK~OFF All selected and non-selected participants along with any other interested parties are invited to a community kick-off function at a predetermined time and place. At this meeting the free Taro products (Yard Cycler compost bin, SuperBlower 850 blower/shredder/vac and Recycler II mower) can be given away via a drawing or other means. The purpose of this meeting is to instruct all participants about Recycler II operation and safety, performed by the local . Taro representative. i \ ---.. , Other suggested activities at this time could be a composting training class or community update on regulations that affect yard waste disposal. Involving a member of a local waste hauling firm could be beneficial to further to explain their side of the landfill dilemma. Make sure the citylcounty is represented by as many local public officials as possible; i.e. the mayor, county commissioners, public works officials and other personnel who will be key representatives or overseers of the program. It is important that the program participants know and are comfortable with the program leaders. The local Toro representative should be present to answer any questions . regarding equipment. A slide presentation is provided in the back of this guide to assist you during this presentation. . 6. DISTRIBUTION OF PRODUCTS If you choose not to distribute the mowers at the Kick-Off, notify the participants of a time, date and location for the transfer of the mowers to those participants. As with the Kick-Off, a local Taro dealer must give complete instructions on the correct and safe operation of each Recycler II mower. At this time, distribute the enclosed Taro Rebate Coupons (Section 7). Each participant should receive only one coupon. These coupons are good for dollars-off many Toro products. The community should keep record of each mower which is assigned to an individual participant. Document the mower serial number along with the name, address and phone number of each participant. This will insure accurate record keeping and make the purchase or return of the mowers at the end of the program go smoothly. Whether you have the Kick-Off meeting or not, again, invite the media. Same educational story, and a great visual, having the participants pick-up their shiny . new Recycler II. I \ " If at all possible this could be an ideal time to have each participant test the . mower he or she has received so some sort of familiarity can take place prior to taking the mower home. 7. ANALYSIS The questionnaire located in Section 3 should be sent out about mid-way through the program. This will give you a good idea of how the program is progressmg. The self-addressed, postage paid questionnaire will be returned to The Taro Company. We will compile the survey's results and get them to you within 2-3 weeks. Additionally, upon request, we will gladly give you copies of the original forms. 8, PROGRAM REVIEW At the end of the program, the participants have two options: l)purchase the - Recycler II mower from the community or selected dealership (depending on option chosen)~ 2) return the Recycler to a designated community site. The purchase should be completed before the designated return date. This is a good time to review your program's objectives and determine if you met them. i . --- --------- ..- .. ... "1i~'~fL<:"~ ~ ,:-~f.J~;~J>~:,~;.~,j;~;~~J~~~~~ ~ . . '~~.r:r,' ,.-. "~~& ,. -'~ .~' ">'.''J ~ ' , - . .,;l:;a~li.!.""t;'J' \ .~.'...:.;~t;f...:.f~:~~~_) ~~3J~, BACKYARD COM POSTIHG ~~3~:.""~o~:, ~'=~i~~~' -'. ." ......-. . 'U"__ _~ _.-.. -',' - .--.........--. . II tt D GRIISSCYCLI "G'~!t,,~?,~t~j~.fi ~h",<~~:,~(.~~Ei;~::' ': :':,:~::,~~~".~; '~t For City of Hatchinson itesidin~ " : ..'. "~~ ,'> RECEIVE A $60.00 VALLIE AtfD SAVEJ!~r $$ Ort YOaR GARBAGE BILL!! . - . - I Composting is the natural breakdown. by micro organisms, of kitchen and yard waste, returning important nutrients back into the ground. Convert those leaves and grass clippings to an abundant supply of garden-valuable humus. , Grasscycling is a management Jpproach to leaving grass clippings on your lot and in your compost thus providing the ;'f/ equivalent to one free feniIizer application per year. " The two-hour course provides full instruction in composting '.' and grasscycling; plus a free compost bin of 555.00 value, along with a $5.00 certificate roward the purchase of a "lawn mulching blade" from participating Hutchinson merchants. Since this is J pilot project. the funding source limits free compost bins to Hu[chinson residents only; one bin and 55.00 certifico.re per household. o[her members n{ the household are encouraged to attend. including school Jge children. Course . registration limited to 200 participants. F::e S I.OO/family. As an additional incemive [0 take the course. uno your cominuous participation in composting/grasscycling. the City Council will reduce your garbage bill $1.00 per month; household save $12.00 per ye:lI. TharsdGY" M<:JTth 18 High Schooi (tif~i~ria 7:00-9:00 p~ms ~ _ _ _ _ spo.:me~'y: C'ty of Hutch'".:".:'"d C)mm.:'ni'Y EduC"iO':" _ _ _ _ _ _ REGISTRATION FORlVI Pre-registration and Pre-payment Required For All Classes NO PHONE REGISTRATION Name: Address: Home Phone: Work Phone: CLASS TITLE FEE MA TERIALS (I Backyard Compo_willg & Gmsscycfillg SI.UO -0- e See /993 WillledSpring Com/nwllry EdllC(//iol1 Bmcllllrc./iJt- other ; course Offl'rillgs TOT.-\L Check payable to Hutchinson Public Schnols is enclused for $ Mail to: Community Etluc:uion. 120n Roberts Road, Hutchinson. MN 55350 Preregistrants will be nntifled nf CANCELLED CL-\SSES. No conHrmution will be sent if a class is to be conducted! ~- ...._T_~_ _ h ... --~. --- --- .__'.L_O ~___._. _~ __~__~ ~. - RESULTS AND FEEDBACK CLASS APRIL 22, 1993 (EARTH DAY) 41. - TO: Mayor and Council, DATE: April 26, 1993 Employees, V oIunreers Mr. Jim McNelly, -Mr. Compost~ Panicipating Merchants and Media FROM: Gary Plotz, Cicy Administrator SUBJECT: RESULTS FROM 2ND HUTCHINSON COIvfPOST COURSE APRIL 22, 1993 Two hundred and ninety nine (299) families gathered at the High School auditorium and gymnasium on Earth Day (April 22) to learn about composting/grasscycling. I would like to personally thank ail those who assisted me in making this course go smoothly. The results are rather interesting: Toro Nutri- TYPE OF BIN SELECTED Soilsaver Yardcycler Earl hm:lC:h me Cube B io-Stacl:: Total Percentage 100% . Percent of participants 36% 31% 23% 6% 4% Number of participants 107 92 70 18 12 299 MULCHING UWN MOWER (One month -free" mower useage - TORO) Promotion Program YES 84 79 60 9 9 241 81 % NO 23 13 10 9 3 58 19% MULCHING COMMITMENT (Retrofitting their la'iVnIIlower. decision before selecting type of bin) YES 102 77 63 11 12 265 89% NO 3 6 4 5 0 18 6% NO OPINION 2 9 3 2 0 16 5% KITCHE.l'o.l WASTE COMMITMENT (Decision before selecting type of bin) YES 100 71 65 11 9 256 85% NO 6 12 3 5 3 29 10% NO OPINION 1 9 2 2 0 14 5% Additionally, the local Catholic Church/School and the Hutchinson High School science department had representation that took the course, and they will be compo sting on their own sites, respectively. ~ ;c: Ed Homan. McLeod County Zoning Administrator Paul Melchior. Mcleod County Environmentalist . City Hall Parks & Recreation Police Department 37 JVashingtoll A venue West 900 Harn'lIgtOlI Street 10 Franklin Street Soulll (612) 587-5151 (612) 587-2975 (612) 587-2242 Hutchinson, Mi11nesota 55350 _ "'fprled 011 1'Txvc/e.l ~'''!"'<'r - . CITY OF HOPKINS MEMORANDUM DATE: MARCH 1, 1994 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ~ FROM: PAUL T. STEINMAN, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST RE: REDEVELOPMENT OF SUBURBAN CHEVROLE T Discussion of the Suburban Chevrolet site redevelopment lS scheduled to be one of the Council Worksession agenda items on March 8, 1994. There appear to be a number of questions which need to be addressed in order to facilitate redevelopment of the site in a timely manner. These questions appear relevant whether or not the City acquires the property at this time. . These include: 0 What would be an appropriate process to follow to select a developer for the site? 0 What would be the most desirable use for the site? 0 What level of public assistance is the Council willing to consider to facilitate redevelopment? In conjunction with the first question, staff has mailed a three page questionnaire ( attached) to each of the five developers who have expressed an interest in undertaking a project on the Suburban Chevrolet site. The questionnaire is to be returned by March 14, 1994. The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide the Council and staff with additional information on each proposal. The Council is asked to provide direction to staff regarding the process to be used to select a developer. There are a number of alternatives which could be utilized: e 0 Council interviews each developer and makes a selection. --- -- - . 0 Staff interviews each developer and makes a recommendation to the Council. 0 Form an interview committee potentially composed of one or two Councilmembers, staff, HBCA Board members, or Z & P Commission members. Once a selection has been made, a Preliminary Development Agreement would be executed. The Preliminary Development Agreement would detail a number of items from the City's and Developer1s prospective, which would need to be accomplished prior to proceeding with a full Development Agreement. In conjunction with execution of the Preliminary Development Agreement items, staff would recommend demolition of the existing buildings. This is based on the assumption that the proposed redevelopment requires it. It appears that in order for environmental issues to be addressed, demolition of the buildings has to occur. Any developer interested in the site will need to have all environmental contamination remediated prior to being able to obtain financing. Therefore, it is the staff position that demolition and environmental remediation . should take place as soon as possible to facilitate redevelopment within a timely manner. . -- ---- -- ---- ------ Memo March 1, 1994 Page 6 . SECTION III service: Community Education Program on Lawn Care Budget Fund: Refuse utility/Yard Waste fund program. Cost: $15,000 Cost to Resident: $0 Part of refuse fee Background: See attached Council Report. Considerations: 0 Possibility of user fee's attached to yard waste collection 0 Waste reduction currently number one on Office of Waste Management Hierarchy - Should staff proceed with efforts to implement this program? As outlined in the Council Report, it is staff's opinion that an education program, conducted in conjunction with possible user fee implementation, would give residents an opportunity to learn how to eliminate the need to bag grass during the season. e Recommendation: 0 Direct staff to proceed with program as outlined in Council Report 0 Schedule this as agenda item for March 15 consideration. I I . . March 15, 1994 Council Report: 94-now AUTHORIZING IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM ON LAWN CARE AND YARD WASTE MANAGEMENT Proposed Action. staff recommends adoption of the following motion: IIAuthorize staff to implement a Community Environmental Solutions Proqram to educate Hopkins residents on Lawn Care and Yard Waste Management durinq March of 1994 at the Premium Level offered by Toro Company at a cost of $1, 000. II overview. In an effort to educate the citizens of Hopkins on how to reduce their need to bag grass and leaves staff has been reviewing a program offered by Toro Company. This program works in cooperation with our local Toro distributor; Hance Hardware, to educate residents by offering an educational seminar, and the use of Toro Recycler mowers. Staff has opted for the Premium Participation Level, as described . herein, in an effort to offer this program to as many residents as possible. Primary Issues to Consider 0 How will this program benefit the city of Hopkins and it's residents? 0 What are the total costs involved for the City of Hopkins and how will this program be funded? 0 What is the schedule for implementation? 0 What potential future programs could result from this program? 0 What incentives would be offered for residents to attend the seminar? supportinq Information 0 Detailed Background 0 Analysis of Issues 0 1994 Toro Community Environmental Solutions Program outline 0 Hutchison Program sign up form and results 0 Video Kathy A. Max, Recycling Coordinator . Council Report: 94-now Page 2 . Detailed Backqround Gary Plotz, Administrator for the city of Hutchison spoke at a recent conference that staff attended. He spoke about the yard waste education seminar the City of Hutchison hosted as an attempt to more effectively manage the yard waste in his city. He was very pleased with the results. Later in the year, Mark Smiler from Toro, and Darrell Cole from the local Hance Hardware store met with staff to discuss possible implementation of a similar program in Hopkins. Since the City of Hopkins collects and manages the yard waste for it's residents this education program seemed a viable tool to help us reduce the amount of yard waste we must collect each year. Attached to the back of this report is information prepared by Toro Co. explaining the program specifics. Analysis of Issues o How will this program benefit the City of Hopkins and it's residents? This program would be of benefit to Hopkins residents by . providing an educational tool for them to understand the benefits of composting and mulching lawn mowers. The program would be limited to the first 200 residents that return a registration form. Three lucky winners will benefit from the free door prizes. Up to 75 residents, chosen through a random drawing at the seminar, would have the use of a mower for a 30-45 day period during the lawn care season. Although Toro would be involved, it is our intention to have a lawn care professional there as well. This will allow .residents access to a professional lawn care specialist and keep residents from thinking that the program is just a sales pitch for Taro. Long term benefits would be thicker healthier lawns, a reduction in the city'S yard waste collection costs which are passed on to residents, and the opportunity to get a reduced rate on purchase of a Recycler mower. o What are the total costs involved for the City of Hopkins? The initial costs involved for the program level desired would be $1,000. This cost would include three give-a-way prizes; a Yard Cycler compost bin, Leaf blower, and Recycler mower. It would also cover the items listed under Premium on the attached outline. After completion of the program the city would be responsible for purchase of the mowers used during the .. demonstration period. In discussions with Mark Smiler and Darrell Cole the city can handle this in a couple ways. 1) We could purchase the mowers outright and either use them by city staff or raffle them off to seminar participants. 2) Darrell Cole has offered to keep the mowers and offer them for sale ..---- - - Council Report: 94-now Page 3 ~ through his store any not sold the city would have to pay for. It is possible that if the program is successful, as in the case of the City of Hutchison, almost all of the residents that used the mowers will purchase them at the end of the season at a reduced cost. In addition to the items provided through the Toro program, it is staffs desire to offer each resident a rebate of $25 towards purchase of a recycler mower. Not only would this encourage attendance at the seminar, it would also encourage residents to purchase these items that could potentially reduce our yard waste management costs. In conclusion the cost break down would potentially be as follows Initial Premium level program costs 1,000 Staff overtime 200 Lawn Care professional 200 Mower Purchase 6,975 Mower Rebate (1 per HH $25 - 200 HH) 5.000 SUB-TOTAL 13,375 Mower Sales - 6.975 TOTAL 6,400 o What is the schedule for implementation? . February 14 Meetings with Toro & Hance representatives March 15 Council Approval March 16 Mail brochures/place ads April 9 Community Education Seminar April 15 - Sept 1 Mower use periods o How will this program be funded? This program could be funded by the fund balance of the Refuse Utility Fund. The Refuse utility Fund should easily be able to cover the entire cost of the program even if the city ends up purchasing some of the mulching mowers. o What potential future programs could result from this program? If successful, Hopkins would look at offering this educational program in future years if available. By offering it each year we would be able to educate more residents and reach residents new to our city. o What incentives would be offered for residents to attend the seminar? Along with the incentives of the chance at using a Toro mulching ~ mower, a chance at winning a door prize, and simply a free yard ... waste education opportunity, staff is proposing to offer a free month of refuse service as incentive to attend the seminar. ----- - ~ 1 Introduction: Environmental Problem This guide deals with Solutions -- solutions to the landfill crisis, solutions to a beautiful, natural lawn, solutions to how best to educate our neighbors about the benefits of not sending their yard waste, such as grass clippings and leaves, to the landfill. Our nation's landfills are filling up rapidly. How quickly? If the nation as a whole does not begin reducing its waste that it sends to the landfills, the majority of our current landfills will overflow before the end of the century. There are a great variety of materials placed in landfills. Some recyclable; some not. However, during the summer months, an estimated 40% of all waste sent to our landfills is yard wash:'! That's 40% more room we can make in our landfills by not bagging yard debris, mainly grass clippings. . Not only is this yard debris taking up valuable landfill space, but it also costs local governments thousands of dollars for the pick up and transportation of the clippings and yard debris to these landfills. Community Environmental Solutions: Turf grass management has evolved with the golf course. The golf course has always represented the "state of the art." Most of us admire the rich, green fairways and, perhaps, wish our lawns · :ould look the same. The basic turf grass management principles that were used to develop the great golf courses across the nation are exactly the same as those that should apply to the management of the home lawn. None of the text books or any of the research papers ever written about turf grass maintenance suggest that the bagging of grass clippings is a necessary part of lawn care. The return of grass clippings to the lawn and eventually to the soil has always been considered to be a naturally accepted part of maintaining a lawn by the true turf grass experts. Grass clippings are a valuable resource. They usually contain over 4% ,- nitrogen, about 2% potassium and around 0.5% phosphorous, as well as lesser amounts of the other essential plant nutrients. Made up of 80% water, these clippings are rapidly attacked by bacteria and fungi which cause their fast . -.- . -- ---- ( decomposition. They do not contribute to thatch. Thatch results from the . abnormally fast growth of tissues high in lignin such as roots, rhizomes, stolons and crowns. While the thatch issue has always been associated with the return of clippings to the lawn, clippings and thatch are simply not correlated. It's to the advantage of every community to reduce the demands on its solid waste facilities and to extend the life of its landfills as long as possible. In the case of grass clippings, the homeowner must be shown how to manage a lawn without using the bagging attachment. Toro Lawn Care Program Mission The Taro Company aspires to partner with local city and county governments across the country to educate homeowners regarding the entire yard waste recycling effort: mulching, composting and fertilizing. OUf goal is to eliminate all organic yard waste sent to public and private landfills. The environmentally safe reduction of green waste is now and will continue to . be a major responsibility that befalls us all, as members of the environmental community. Toro will meet this challenge with products that offer solutions to our environmental dilemmas. Toro Company Positioning Toro's mission is to beautify and enrich the outdoor environment-make the landscape green, healthy and safe-with superior quality, innovative and environmentally sound products, services and systems. We believe to consumers the environment is as much about the grass under foot and the trees outside the front door as it is about acid rain and global warming. To Toro the environment is about healthy grass, clean water and fresh air. The Toro Lawn Care Program Guide involves media, educational brochures, demonstration lawns, people and participatory activities. . , ------ -- ~ 2 Program Planning Guide A. An Overview The Tora Lawn Care (TLC) Program was developed first and foremost to reduce the amount of grass clippings sent to landfills, while still maintaining a beautiful lawn. To do this, homeowners must be educated about the benefits of leaving recycled grass clippings on their lawns. Not only do recycled grass clippings act as a fertilizer, but it also saves time; up to 38%. That's the reason for the Taro Lawn Care Guide: to assist in the development of a program that educates people about the landfill situation and about alternatives to sending their clippings to the , landfill. How is this done? In a nutshell, the Taro Company offers its Recycler@ mowers to communities at a substantially reduced cost. In . return, the community, using this guide as an outline, educates its citizens about the attributes of not bagging their grass clippings through the use of demonstration lawns. As a bonus, participants will receive a rebate certificate that can be used to purchase additional Toro products to assist in their organic recycling efforts. The three different community participation levels are outlined on the following page. I As you will read in the following I1StepsIT section, the ; community chooses participating homeowners to demonstrate the recycling process to the neighborhood. A small sign signifying each TLC demonstration lawn will be placed in the yard to encourage discussions. During the program, the community will publicize the program to attract more attention to the organic recycling process. Questionnaires will be sent out so that the community can monitor the education process. . At the end of the program, participants will have the choice of either purchasing the mower, or simply returning it to the community. I --- ( Along the way, feel free to call one of the Taro representatives or . other community participants for advice. Their phone numbers are listed in this guide. Together with cormnunities that have already successfully participated in the TLC program, we feel we have put together a solid solution to addressing yard waste. Of course, if you have any suggestions along the way, please call us. We're always looking for ways to reduce waste and improve our nation's recycling efforts. . ( . . ... ~ ~ 1'... ~= 2.2~ 2 8 '" '" u.o '" 8 a ;>,....~ ~ V"l V"l a ~ ~ U 8."E, ~ ('ol V"l ('ol V"l >- >- >- - ~ - "E~~ - <lIac.::: >-V"l 00 ... Q ~ ~ 1'.... ~ ~ ~.2 -< u 8 u-E 8 c:: z a a '" '" '" a ~ IU ;>'IU ~ C-' -< ('ol '<l" ('ol a >- >- ue. >- V"l 0 ~ "c;:I ~ - ;UJ ~ ~ >-0 V"l (J) 00 Z 0 - ~ I' ...:l ... 0 U i1.l tIl - 8. '" '" u '" 8 ...:l (J) V"l a ..,., <I) IU ;>, i1.l -< - f"'l - >- >- u >- - -< l:Q V"l "C ~ ~ .... ell . >- ~ Z 0 ..J e5 ~ > ~ Z .....J wJ Z ;;.. 0 t- - - t- ~ -< tIl Q., ...:l - -< ~ U - - c:: E- '" 0 c:: tiiJ = U ~ .~ -< < 8 Q., ;:I 0 ~ :E 0& c:: E- O -<<I ] c:: ,5- z ~ ~ 0 ~g 0 ~ oil '" Q.. Z .... (J].~ (J) ,.;: C 8"C - 0'1 IU Q.. ~ 0'\ 0 ~ ~ = ...:l ];:; -<<I ;:l =-- - eLl;:l -< ~.s 0< tIl - 0 'ijj e tIl .... '" l:Q ~ E- ::'E - "'010: IU.S!: .- "C .- 0 - -< "C,.J:: c:: >.- 8t:: C-' '" ~a1 c:: ... e~ c:: ~ ~'>: .... u ~ S ~ ~ ~ ~,.J:: ~ ~ f-o ~i3 Eo-- c...o 'C .... j .- IU ,:: e Eo-- ;>-.<1) tI) ==~ i1.l ... < '" <ll c.. ''2 ~ 0 ~ Z t::o 8..2, :E jg '" :> <ll ~ <I) ~~ ;>, U 0 ....... t1:e '" ~ ;:1'<;; ~ ....... 0 ~ ell ~~ :E ft ... ~] ...:l u- = 0 ~ >- 0 l! 8 -< 0-- OJ o l5. ~ Eo-- U wJ IU e .,g 'Ej Z ....0 .... '" .... ;;.. :> 0-;; - Q 1? .0 \0 ell ~ U:::. ...:l ;:I~ ell 0 0 ...~ ~<E :E t::eII ] - D <ll < roo ~ ....- - <1)_ ~ 00 ;:1.0 - III Eo-- e~ "IIl ~ f-<C Q.. < U ~ ~ ;:I e Q.l- Z('ol 0 ...u !::: '" - c:: ~ ~~ ~~ 0;:1 :2E. U C-' Q 0 o~ - c ...."8 ~ ~ ... ... ~ l::: - . 0 0 0 0 IU 0 0 '1: ~~ .,;:, ::'E 0 c:: ~ E- E- O c:: U c- O D Q., Q.. U ~ CC . ( ... I- (I) .0 0 ..... () 0 ..... ... (I) .0 E (I) ..... 0. (I) N en '? .., ..... - ..... In ::::l ::::l -<< ..... :t:: >- 0 ..:::.: '3 u -. :;:;;:: ..... .c (I) c C :J ::::l E -. E I 0 ~ u .8 - (5 - 5- . '" 0 ~ (]) - (]) >- :3 C 0- <l :2 .c :0 ~ .Q 0 > '" 0 E 0 -0 OJ Q) 0 0. '" "C is. c L(l (]) 0 <( u '3. .- c ::1 :J ",Oryry "<I' 0 (!) c c (]) C C C o lJ'):+:::- _ 0 (]) c 0 -..c(])C 0) .., "0 g~L~ C 0 E 0.. Ol.c c: (IJ o ~ C - ~ N <n ~Q)CU .- t Ol:3C= c: () (j) e o.Q-g 5 > o..Lo.o.. c: :E - "0 <c:ioei <{ C - c.. In "E ..... ;,t c: E (I) (I) ~ (I) (I) r:::: .E == () E 3: 0 ::::l (I) C :;:: "E 0 "0 () I () , 0 c: E ;,t ;r; .... -= (I) 0 ... ::::l e.. (i) Ol Qj 0 S2 - (i) (I) 0 Q) en () 0 ~ "> c . 0 c (I) 1: 'E 0 ~ c (I) c E * :0 0 0 CI:: <( Cl .... m 0 0 c: c: en ::::l ~ In E E c.. E 0 c 0. 0. :E '5 Ci) C \ Z E I 0 E t= C "0 .0 E .c c >- ... c: ;,t c t t t .;:: - '5 Cl 0 . (I) ..... u C\I In 0 0 0 0 0 .!2 c: 2 0 a:: a:i 0 ~ a:: <( u c ..... <( ~ l- e.. e.. I- c.. . . 2 Program Planning Guide c. Steps The following steps to the Toro Lawn Care Program will guide both the distributor and the local government participants. to maximize the program's effectiveness and exposure. Contents: 1. Planning A. Program Options B. Mower Purchase Options C. Planning Meeting D. Publicity Planning 2. Participant Recruitment . 3. Selection 4. Notification 5. Community Kick-Off 6. Distribution of Products & Rebate Coupons 7. Follow-up analysis 8. Program Review . , ( . 1. PLANNING Before signing up your first participant, take time to make a plan unique to your community. Prepare the plan thoroughly to eliminate any unpleasant surprises. Also, a few key decisions will have to be made as well. A. Program Options After reviewing the program options listed in the table provided in section 2A decide on the appropriate level for your communitis involvement. There are three participation levels: . Basic Level . Enhanced Level . Premium Level B. Mower Purchase Options The Recyler mower can be made available to participants in the following ways: . The community purchases the Recyclers from the regional Taro . distributor at a price of $ 279.00 per mower before the program begins. . Participants purchase from the local Taro dealer at a cost of $299.00 per mower at the end of the program. The community agrees to purchase unsold mowers at the same cost. . The local Toro dealer works with the community to sell the mowers not purchased by participants at the dealer's store. C. Planning Meeting Approximately three weeks before participant recruitment, a TLC planning meeting should be held to organize the upcoming steps. By meeting with all involved parties, a realistic timeline can be developed. Invited parties should include the Taro representative and the community TLC director/coordinator. Also, involve as many outside parties from the community as possible. They will alert you to potential pitfalls and assure a smooth running program with few surprises. D. Publicity Planning . Once dates are set for upcoming steps, take time out to think about publicity planning. After all, the program's goal is to educate as many community , members as possible. Alert the media about the formation of the program. They can in turn get the word out that you are looking for participants. 2. PARTICIPANT SELECTION Selecting the designated number of people needed can be accomplished in a few different ways. They follow: 1. Run an ad in your local newspaper describing the program and asking for volunteers. Include a coupon that can be filled out with name, address and phone number to be returned via mail. 2. Organize an informational meeting. Invite all interested parties and choose volunteers according to their address and other qualifications. 3. Have local Toro dealer(s) advertise program, within the store and fill out a form. All applicants could then be drawn from a barrel and winners notified . 4. Have interested participants call city hall. Each inquiry then becomes eligible. 3. PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT In order for the program to achieve its goals, all participants must satisfy the certain requirements. Each participant can be selected by means of a drawing from interested parties who have expressed interest in the program. Try to select homes which geographically cover the city/county as thoroughly as possible. These requirements are as follows: ~ The participant must own or rent residential property with a lawn having frontage on a public street. ~ The participant must guarantee to use the mower for 100% of the yard's mowing activities. <=:> Prior to receiving the Taro Recycler II mower, the participant must attend an organizational meeting. <=:> The participant must follow the mowing techniques outlined by Taro. This . includes safety regulations, mowing frequency, etc. Should questions arise about the equipment during the program, the participant should contact the l participating Taro dealer. .:::. The participant must place the provided sign on the yard in a visible . i location. .::: The participant must maintain the yard's appearance. ~. The participant must be willing to discuss the program with inquiring people such as neighbors. ~ The participant must allow the property to be publicized and photographed. Q A representative will arrange with each participant specific information regarding the delivery and pick up of the mowers. 4. ALERT THE MEDIA AND LOCAL OFFICIALS With the press releases located in the back of this guide, alert the media, and thus the public, to your kick-off meeting. Also, invite as many local officials as possible. This will further entice media to cover the event. Not only will the participants receive their mower (or mower pick-up certificate) at this time, but all other community members should be invited to learn more about recycling yard debris, as well as our landfill problem. Hand . out the literature provided with the TLC program. Literature examples are located in Section 5. Remember, the goal of the program is to reduce yard debris sent to the landfill, whether by participants or non-participants. Not only will the media be excited about the educational program, but the Kick-Off makes a wonderful visual for photographs, especially if local officials are there. Additionally, the appropriate Toro products (Recycler mower, SuperBlower 850 shredder/vac and/or YardCyclerB compost bin) should be gIVen away. 5. COMMUNITY KICK~OFF All selected and non-selected participants along with any other interested parties are invited to a community kick -off function at a predetermined time and place. At this meeting the free Taro products CYardCycler compost bin, SuperBlower 850 blower/shredder/vac and Recycler II mower) can be given away via a drawing or other means. The purpose of this meeting is to instruct all participants about Recycler II operation and safety, performed by the local . Toro representative. 1\ . ~ Other suggested activities at this time could be a composting training class or community update on regulations that affect yard waste disposal. Involving a member of a local waste hauling firm could be beneficial to further to explain their side of the landfill dilemma. Make sure the city/county is represented by as many local public officials as possible; i.e. the mayor, county commissioners, public works officials and other personnel who will be key representatives or overseers of the program. It is important that the program participants know and are comfortable with the program leaders. The local Toro representative should be present to answer any questions regarding equipment. A slide presentation is provided in the back of this guide to assist you during this presentation. . 6. DISTRIBUTION OF PRODUCTS If you choose not to distribute the mowers at the Kick-Off, notify the participants of a time, date and location for the transfer of the mowers to those participants. As with the Kick-Off, a local Taro dealer must give complete instructions on the correct and safe operation of each Recycler II mower. At this time, distribute the enclosed Toro Rebate Coupons (Section 7). Each participant should receive only one coupon. These coupons are good for dollars-off many Toro products. The community should keep record of each mower which is assigned to an individual participant. Document the mower serial number along with the name, address and phone number of each participant. This will insure accurate record keeping and make the purchase or return of the mowers at the end of the program go smoothly. Whether you have the Kick-Off meeting or not, again, invite the media. Same educational story, and a great visual, having the participants pick-up their shiny . new Recycler II. ( , .--- ---- -"._-- . ( If at all possible this could be an ideal time to have each participant test the . mower he or she has received so some sort of familiarity can take place prior to taking the mower home. 7. ANALYSIS The questionnaire located in Section 3 should be sent out about mid-way through the program. This will give you a good idea of how the program is progressmg. The self-addressed, postage paid questionnaire will be returned to The Toro Company. We will compile the survey's results and get them to you within 2-3 weeks. Additionally, upon request, we will gladly give you copies of the original forms. 8. PROGRAM REVIEW At the end of the program, the participants have two options: l)purchase the . Recycler II mower from the community or selected dealership (depending on option chosen)~ 2) return the Recycler to a designated community site. The purchase should be completed before the designated return date. This is a good time to review your program's objectives and determine if you met them. . ( ... 'f~~~~.:f."~..:"::"::> ":~'~~"'1t:::;.f: <~~,.,::f.!Zl~::'~~~i: . , .~"."..,. ," ."._,<",*,1,..1.;,. ," "~_, ~~'~.9"~ . ,~.-~."...",~." ~~~'.~i " , , " ."f!/ ;.,,~;. " ~~!lf&...,;T"",~ '" 'fJ! '.' '.', BACKYARD COM POSTINa ~'i'~~:.~~:<~,5~~,.~~~~~~~ . '"~'~Y~if"",i~tilr~ RHD CiRRSSCYCLIHq;:t~:~':l"ii;", :'~'~':f~"" ;;: For City of tlutchinson Rczsiden~ t._., '.: .'~:~' ~. RECEIVE fi $60.00 VALLIE A"D SAVE '~'~:~~gr $$ 0" YOOR GARBAGE BILL!! :.:--. - , Composting is the natural breakdown. by micro organisms, of kitchen and yard waste, returning important nutrients back into the ground. Convert those leaves and grass clippings to an abundant supply of garden-valuable humus. , Grasscycling is a management approach to leaving grass clippings on your lot and in your compost thus providing the '?1 equivalent to one free fertilizer application per year. ,J, The two-hour course provides full instruction in composting " and grasscycling: plus a free compost bin of $55.00 value. along- with a 55.00 certificate toward the purchase of a "lawn mulching blade" from participating HUlchinson merchants. Since this is a pilot project. the funding source limits free compost bins to Hutchinson residents only: one bin and 55.00 certi r:-.:atc per household. other members of [he household are encour:lged to attend. including school age children. Course registration limited to :00 panicipanrs. Fee S1.0D/family. . As an additional im:entive to rake the course. and your cominuous participation in composting/grasscyc1ing. the City Council will reduce your garbage bill $1.00 per month; household save $12.00 per ye:lf. TharsdaYI M<3rch 18 High School Ctlf'Qt12ria 1:00-9:00 p.m~ ~ Sponsored by: City of Hutc:hinson and Cl)illl11Unity Education ~-------------------------------- REGISTRATION FORlYI Pre-registration and Pre-payment Required For All Classes NO PHONE REGISTRA TION Name: Address: Home Phone: Work Phone: CLASS TITLE FEE MATERIALS . Bacf....--;:ard Cvmpuslillg & Grasscydif/g $1,00 -O- See 1993 Winter/Spring COI1lJrlIl/Ji{y Education Broclltli"l' ji)r other . , course offerings TOTAL Check payable to Hutchinson Public S.:hools is enclosed for $ Mail to: Community EJucation. 1200 Rnberts Road. Hutchinson. MN 55350 Preregistrants will be notitied of CANCELLED CLASSES. No conlinnation will be sent if a class is to be conducted! - .- ------....- - - ---- --- ------~- ---------- -~ -- .. - --~. -------.-_~- . RESULTS AND FEEDBACK CLASS APRIL 22, 1993 (EARTH DAY) .- - TO: Mayor kd Council, DATE: April 26, 1993 Employees, Volunteers Mr. Jim McNelly, -Mr. Compost~ Panicipating Merchants and Media FROM: Gary Plotz, Ciry Administrator SUBJECT: RESULTS FROM 2ND HUTCHINSON COMPOST COURSE APRIL 22, 1993 Two hundred and ninety nine (299) families gathered at the High School auditorium and gymnasium on Eant Day (April 22) to learn about composting/grasscycling. I would like to personally thank all those' who assisted me in making this course go smoothly. The results are rather interesting: Toro N utri- TYPE OF BIN SELECTED Soilsaver Yardcycler Earrhm:lc:hir:]e Cube Bio-S tad: Total Percentage Percent of panicipacts 36% 31 % 23% 6% 4% l00%e NIllIlber of participants 107 92 70 18 12 299 MULCHING LAWN MOWER (One monrh "free" mower useage - TORO) Promotion Program YES 84 79 60 9 9 241 81 % NO 23 13 10 9 3 S8 19% MULCHING COMMITMENT (Retrofitting their lawnmower, decision before selecting type of bin) YES 102 77 63 11 12 265 89% NO 3 6 4 5 0 18 6% NO OPINION 2 9 3 2 0 16 S% KITCHEN WASTE COMMITMENT (Decision before selecting type of bin) YES 100 71 65 11 9 256 85% NO 6 12 3 S 3 29 10% NO OPINION 1 9 2 2 0 14 5% Additionally, the local Catholic Church/School and the Hutchinson High School science department had representation that took the course, and they will be composting on their own sites, respectively. ~ :c: Ed Homan, McLeod County Zoning Administrator Paul Melchior, McLeod County Environmentalist . City Hall Parks & Recreation Police Department 371Vasltington Avenue West 900 Harn'ngtoll Street . 10 Franklin Street Sou tit (612) 587.5151 (612) 587-2975 (612) 587-2242 Hutchinson, MinJlesota 55350 . "r[rlled Oil rrc!lclclf I'lft't'r .