CR 96-57 Brush Collection Program ChangesApril 2, 1996
Primary Issues to Consider
I Y
O
K
BRUSH COLLECTION PROGRAM CHANGES
Council Report: 96 -57
Proposed Action.
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: "Move to approve the
amendments to Legislative Policy #8 -D as outlined, and authorize staff to
implement modifications to the brush collection program."
Overview.
Brush collection has become one of the most labor intensive programs that
the city provides. To address this and in a move to reduce the labor
intensity and allow more time for maintenance of streets, parks, storm
sewer, seal coat preparation, crack sealing etc., staff is proposing two
changes to Section 4.02 Brush Pick Up and 4.03 Brush & Yard Waste Drop Off.
First, staff is recommending elimination of commercial brush collection
service. Collection of commercial brush stockpiles have increased over the
years and continue to increase the labor intensity of the Brush program.
In 1995 approximately 34 loads were collected from commercial properties.
In addition to this, when brush collection costs were moved out of the
General Fund in 1994 and into the Refuse Utility this shifted the financial
support of the program to homeowners who pay city refuse fees. Under the
current budget system residents are subsidizing 83% of this service while
commercial properties pay only 17 %. Staff feels this service can be
adequately provided by the private sector. Not only are there drop off
locations in Bloomington and Maple Grove, most tree services offer brush
chipping and hauling services. In addition to these options, all refuse
haulers offer brush collection services as well.
Second, staff is recommending that two of the four free Friday brush pick-
ups be eliminated during the summer months. We currently collect brush
throughout the summer free on the first Friday of June, July, August, and
September. Every other Friday there is a $10 per truck load charge. Staff
is recommending elimination of the free Friday pick -ups in July and August,
during the heaviest construction season.
o Summary of Brush program if changes are approved.
o What are the proposed changes to Legislative Policy #8 -D?
o Why are changes to the Brush program necessary?
o What will commercial properties do with their brush?
o What will residents do with brush in July and August?
Supporting Information
o Analysis of Issues
o Attachment A - Section 4.02 & 4.03 of Legislative Policy 8 -D
Illo V
Steven J. Stadler, Public Works Director
Council Report: 96 -57
Page 2
Analvsis of Issues
o Summary of Brush program if changes are approved.
Staff feels that even without a free Friday pick -up in July and
August, our brush service will remain exceptional. Consider our
services:
•
1) Free weekly pick -up service is provided October through early
May.
2) During the summer months (June - September) we offer 2 free Friday
pick -ups
3) Call -in pick -up service for $10 every Friday other than the 2
free Fridays
4) Free drop -off program 2 days each week (May - September)
o What are the proposed changes to Legislative Policy 18 -D?
The first change being proposed is elimination of commercial brush
pick up. In 1994 brush collection costs were moved out of the General
Fund into the Refuse Utility. Staff is proposing this change because
under the current budget system residents are subsidizing this service
to commercial properties. The current brush pick up program is also
very labor intensive and other services are suffering in an effort to
continue to provide the current level of service.
The service currently offered to commercial properties consists of
brush pick up every Friday on a call -in basis throughout the year
weather permitting. The fee for this service is $15.00 for each 18
cu. yd load. The city has provided brush pick -up at the curb from
1972 until 1994 as part of the General Fund Public Works Tree Service
function. Beginning in 1994 the costs associated with weekly brush
pick up were removed from Tree Service and put into a separate Brush
Service budget that is part of the Refuse Utility. This utility is
not part of the general fund and is supported by the fees residents
pay for weekly refuse collection. The cost paid by commercial
properties does not sufficiently cover the actual cost for collection
and therefore is subsidized by residents. In some cases city crews
spend an entire day loading and unloading the truck after pick up from
commercial property stockpiles. This works out to a subsidy of
approximately $96 per load. This subsidy will only increase in 1997
when our disposal costs increase due to the expiration of our burn
permit.
1 hour X $22.00 (wage + benefits) X 2 men = $ 44.00
1 hour X $42.00 (truck cost) = $ 42.00
$ 86.00
Handling fee (attendant /equip during burn) $ 25.00
$111.00/18 cy. load
Current rate per 18 cu. yd. load = $15.00
Council Report: 96 -57
Page 3
The second change being proposed is elimination of the July and August
free Friday brush pick ups. This will eliminate the two free Friday
pick -ups during the peak construction periods for city crews. July
and August were chosen because most piles picked up during this period
are small and should not become a nuisance for residents. This is
also the period when city crews need to concentrate on various
construction and maintenance projects occurring throughout the city.
Why are changes to the Brush program necessary?
When the state banned brush from disposal with regular refuse, our
brush stops for very small quantities of brush increased. This was
because most residents had previously placed small quantities of brush
into their refuse container. In 1994 staff initiated changes to the
brush pick up policy that charged a fee for brush picked up each week
except on the first Friday during the months of June, July, August and
September. This was initiated in an effort to get residents to
combine piles reducing the number of stops for city crews and
eliminate the very small piles.
What has occurred from this policy change is that most people held on
to their brush until a free Friday. This has increased the amount of
brush stops from an average of 150 stops per week to over 250 stops on
each of the first Fridays. With the increased number of stops on the
free Fridays we are forced to take a second day to finish the job.
The 1994 changes also have not eliminated the small piles of brush nor
has it encouraged residents to pile brush together to save us time by
decreasing the number of stops. Staff believes that this change will
promote use of the free drop -off service by decreasing the temptation
for residents to wait until the first Friday free pick -up.
Staff is proposing these changes in an effort to free crews up during
the heaviest part of the construction season.
o What will commercial properties do with their brush?
There are sites available in Bloomington and Maple Grove, where
commercial properties can take brush for disposal (see attached).
Drop off fees vary based on size, type, and quantity of material.
Almost all tree removal companies and refuse haulers offer brush pick
services to their customers. Tree services offer on site chipping to
commercial properties. For a fee of $65 per hour Ceres will come out
and chip brush for use around shrubs and trees on site. Tree services
serving the Hopkins area also offer brush hauling services. Charges
for this vary with location, size, type, and quantity of material.
Ceres hourly rate for this type of service is $65 per hour with an
additional charge of $3.50 per cu. yd. disposal. Refuse haulers also
do special brush pick ups for commercial properties that are their
customers. Small amounts of brush must be in four foot lengths and
bundled together. Fees for this service vary from $1 - $2.00 per
bundle. Larger unbundled loads are priced on an individual basis
taking into account location, size, type, and quantity of material.
Council Report: 96 -57
Page 4
What will residents do with brush in July and August?
Residents will have the options of; working with neighbors to combine
piles of brush and share the cost of a pick up, paying the $10 fee
(which is very reasonable), or bringing brush to the free drop off
which is offered throughout the summer. Staff will also encourage
residents to have major tree trimming work done in the winter. Winter
is the best time for trees to be trimmed and is often less expensive.
We also collect brush free every Friday all winter during a time when
city crews are most available to provide the service. Elimination of
the July and August free Friday brush pick -ups will not affect free
residential collection of diseased elm and Oak wilt materials.
Alternatives
o Eliminate all brush service to commercial properties.
Staff feels the private sector offers convenient brush disposal
options to commercial generators and that the city should not be
competing with the private sector for this business.
o Increase the cost to commercial properties for this service.
If Council feels there is a need to continue to offer brush services
to commercial properties, staff recommends that the fee be increased
to cover the entire cost of collection and disposal. A minimum fee of
$55 for up to a half load (0 to 9 cu. yd.) and $111 for all loads
exceeding a half load up to 18 cu. yds. (9 to 18 cu. yds.)
o Eliminate free brush pick up in July and August.
Staff feels there are adequate opportunities for residents to use the
free drop -off service or to have brush picked up. Elimination of
these two free pick -ups will allow city crews to spend more time on
projects that can only be accomplished during the summer months.
o Do nothing.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council approve the proposed amendments to
Legislative Policy 8D, which includes eliminating all brush service to
commercial properties and also eliminates the free monthly brush pick ups
in July and August.
Council Report: 96 -57
Page 5
ATTACHMENT A - Section 4.02 and 4.03
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8 -D
The changes proposed are outlined below. Text with strike - through
lettering indicates removal, text in bold indicates a language
addition.
Section 4.02 BRUSH Pick up
a. The City provides brush pick up free (City Service Area ONLY) on
a call in basis from the first Friday in October through the
second Friday in May and aim) -the - first -Friday - of -eaeh -month -from
mid -Nay - y44- 0ebeter on the first Friday in June and
September. During all other Fridays a fee per pick -up /per 18
cubic yard load is charged. eemmere4ai- Prepert4es- sre-eharged --e
fee -year - rennd-
b. BRUSH DEFINITION: Tree limbs and branches up to a maximum of 6
inch diameter and 20 foot length...includes twigs and other tree
parts within size definition.
c. Brush is picked up from the boulevard side of the residence ONLY
due to height restrictions for equipment in alleys.
d. Brush must be stacked on the boulevard in a neat pile, parallel
to the street. Small twigs can be placed in cardboard boxes, but
not in plastic bags (to allow legal burning). Keep brush far
enough away from containers (4 feet) to allow regular automated
pick up. Keep brush at least 5 feet away from utility poles and
parked cars. Do not pile brush under trees and shrubs, behind
fences or under overhead wires.
e. Normally, brush pick up is completed every Friday except for
holidays and during unusual conditions such as snow storms.
f. Calls are taken through Thursday before 2:00 p.m_ for scheduled
pick up that Friday.
g. State Law prohibits mixing brush in the same container with
regular household waste.
h. Only brush which is generated on Hopkins properties will be
picked up. Brush from land clearing operations will not be
accepted.
4.03 Brush and Yard Waste Drop Off
a. The city provides a free Brush and Yard Waste drop off (City
Service Area ONLY) dur the - non - free p4ek- up- per4eds- during -the
summer on Wednesday evenings from 3 -6 p.m. and on Saturdays from
10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (approximately mid -May through mid - October).
b. All material brought to the site must be separated according to
brush and yard waste definitions in sections 4.02 and 4.04 and
all material must have been generated within the city of Hopkins
boundaries.
c. Materials will not be accepted from lawn services or commercial
properties or non - refuse customers.
8550 Zachary Lane
Maple Grove Minnesota 55369
Phone: 425 =2239
NOVEMBER - .MARCH 10 -4 , MONDAY - SATURDAY
APRIL. :OCTOBER 9 - 5 "
$ 8.00 PER CUBIC YARD DIRT /GRASS /LEAVES /SOD
$10.00 PER CUBIC YARD BRUSH 4" IN DIAMETER OR LESS
$12.00 PER CUBIC YARD LOGS 4" IN DIAMETER OR MORE
$20.00 EACH (MINIMUM) STUMPS
$15.00 PER CUBIC YARD PALLETS
$15.00 PER CUBIC YARD WOOD /SHEETROCK /SHINGLES
$15.00 PER CUBIC YARD CEMENT /TAR /BRICKS /ROCKS
815.00 PER CUBIC YARD + TAX HOUSEHOLD /CLOTHES /TOYS /ETC...
$ 2.00 PER 30 GALLON GARBAGE CA N+ TAX HOUSEHOLD RUBBISH
DECEMBER' 1994`_
YOU MUST' SEPARATE YOUR LOAD OR PAY THE UNSEPARABLE PRICE.
TO FIGURE CUBIC YARDS:
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT = CUBIC FEET a 27 CUBIC YARDS
HINT: MEASURE THE SIZE OF THE LOAD NOT THE SIZE OF THE TRAILER /PICK -UP
FREE, DRAIN OIL DROP OFF IN SMALL QUANTITIES_
LARGER DRAIN OIL QUANTITIES CALL IN ADVANCE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
NEWSPRINT NO CHARGE
CORRUGATED CARDBOARD (CLEAN) 4 CUBIC YARD OR LESS - NO CHARGE_,
MORE* THAN; AN CUBIC YARD $8.00` PER CUBIC YARD
P rices as of December, 1994. Prices may change without notice.
A mon of material measured in quarter yard increments.
UNSEPARABLE LOAD
ar
MAPLE GROVE YARDWASTE
DROP -OFF SITE
14796 101st Avenue North
1996 SEASON
Open April 1st through Saturday, November 30th, 1996.
CLOSED: Easter April 7th
Memorial Day May 27th
Independence Day July 4th
Labor Day September 2nd
Thanksgiving November 28th
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Saturday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 Noon - 7:00 PM
Open without charge to residents of:
Maple Grove New Hope
Brooklyn Park Champlin
Brooklyn Center Dayton
Crystal Rogers
Also open to residents of other cities and commercial customers at the following
fee:
April and May
June through September - Grass
- Brush
Oct and Nov
- All Material $5.00 cu yd
$10.00 cu yd
$5.00 cu yd
- All Material *5.00 cu yd
April through November - Sod $10.00 cu yd
April through November - Dirt $10.00 cu yd
Note: 33 Gallon Trash Bags = $.50 Each
Add $1.00 cu yd for mixed material.
All material must be de- bagged at the site and bags removed.
Lawn and garden waste accepted, including leaves, grass, plant material and
brush up to 1 1/2" in diameter.
Directions:
Take 1 -94 northwest to County Road 30 in Maple Grove,
East on County Road 30 one mile to County Road 121 (Fernbrook Lane) North on Fernbrook one
mile to 101st Avenue North,
West on 101st 1/3 mile to entrance, or
Take Minnesota Highway 81 approximately three miles northwest of Osseo, South on County Road
121 - 1/8 mile to 101st Avenue North,
West on 101st - 1/3 mile to entrance.
Telephone: 420 -4400 Office
420 -4886 Site
2504 WEST CO. RD. 8
ST. PAUL, MN 55113
(612) "633 - 4424
April 25, 1995
Ceres would like to introduce you to our Tree Recyling Facility. We have taken over the operation of the
former Hennepin County Tree Disposal Facility at 12420 County Road 130 in Maple Grove. We are now
able to accept tree wastes from anywhere within the metro area. Materials accepted for recylcing include
logs, brush, stumps, shrubs, branches, chips and firewood. All material must be clean and free of debris.
Our current operating hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. These hours will be extended for summer operation at a date to be determined. The fees
effective May 1, 1995 are:
• $10.00 minimum dumping charge
• $22.00 per ton for brush
• $9.00 per ton for whole trees and logs
• $24.00 per ton for stumps
We accept Visa and Master Card or will set up an account upon submittal of a credit application and
approval by our office.
Ceres offers a low cost, environmentally conscious means of dealing with tree waste. Materials are
recycled into products beneficial to plant health and the environment. Nothing is disposed of by open
burning or burying. If you are interested in our product line please contact us for brochures and product
samples.
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