09-07-16 Personnel and Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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The N.E.A.T. crew is working hand in hand with the inspectors. The iPad has been an asset, because we streamline all of our jobs as they come up from the inspectors. They are put in order by the iPads, so we aren't sending people all over town. We're sending them down one (1) alley at a time. When it comes to collecting tires, we've turned around and sent the lightening loader once every one (1) or two (2) weeks to collect tires around the City of South Bend. We've collected over 540,544 tires, which is about 1,261 cars full of tires just up to this day. Last year we only picked up 4,800. Committeemember Voorde asked where the tires go after they pick them up. Mr. Logrande answered that they take the tires to Liberty Tires, and pay $1 each to get rid of them. We worked out a better deal this year where we pay $240 for a whole truck load. The truck gets a whole load every day, which is why we only do it a few times a month. It's been a lot easier to pick up illegal dumps and tires due to the iPads. Our goals next year are to put two (2) trucks into the program after getting rid of two (2) trucks. We've had so many complaints on the cutbacks in the alleys by safety and solid waste, so we are looking forward to that program. Our goals are always to do a better job and to build relationships with the citizens of the City of South Bend. We try to do a better job everyday. Part of that is working with these neighborhood cleanups. We do six (6) to ten (10) of them every year, and we don't give enough credit to the people who put these things together. Mr. Wilkerson stated they found that it is very time consuming to respond to complaints from neighbors, because we have to stop what we're doing, dedicate a truck, complete the cutback, and take all of the trash to organic waste, so we take that truck and driver out of the cycle of picking up the trash. By dedicating people to doing this, it will be more effective. The plan is to do the cleanup in the first year then go back in the next two (2) years to do additional cutbacks. If you call us today, one (1) of the inspectors will be out there the same day, and if the call comes in after 4:00 p.m., someone will be there first thing the next day. Committeemember Voorde asked what kind of equipment is needed to cut the overgrowth. Mr. Wilkerson stated currently they use chainsaws and pole trimmers. The idea is that we're going to go eight (8) feet from the center of the right -of -way each way, then twelve (12) feet above so we don't get into any power lines. It would be nice to have a tractor with side cutters on it, but that is not in our budget or any budget in the City. Committeemember Voorde asked if it would be ok after the two (2) year cycle, and if it would be manageable by then, if it would just need maintenance. 14