A. January- February 2014 Newsletter

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$OUT$8 SOUTH 04 BEND rti"y January- February 2014 1865 . bta�tay fete 3uttrgley. Dear Neighbor, Happy New Year. For some,this event is no more than a change of a calendar. For others,the New Year symbolizes the beginning of a better tomorrow. I'm looking forward to exciting developments and continued progress in South Bend throughout the year ahead. The administration will continue to do all we can to improve economic growth,public safety,quality of life for all residents,and accountability in city government. With winter now in full force, I'd like to offer a reminder of our Snow Removal and Winter Storm Recovery Process. South Bend's snow routes are divided into two overlapping systems. The City's primary and arterial streets form the first system. These roads,which carry a majority of traffic throughout the city and provide the interconnection of neighborhoods,are plowed from curb-to-curb and receive salt for the duration of a storm. During those times,crews plow 24 hours a day to keep these roads open. The second system involves residential snow routes. These streets are provided a passable lane down the middle of the street and are salted on hills,curves,and intersections. Crews will address the neighborhood and residential streets after the primary and arterial streets have been made navigable. There are approximately 2,200 lane miles of pavement to be plowed. Residents are asked to wait to call the 311 Call Center to report unplowed streets until 36 hours after snow has stopped falling. This allows snow removal crews adequate time to complete sufficient passes on all of their assigned snow routes. In winter,thoughts naturally turn to spring,which includes its own cleanup procedures. January 1,2014 brought policy changes for yard waste removal in the City. Plastic bags may not be used for yard waste in the City of South Bend,because the bags were creating environmental problems at our organic resources center and adding thousands to taxpayer expense.According to the amended ordinance approved by the South Bend Common Council last year,yard waste for pickup must be placed in a biodegradable paper bag or other container approved by the City and separated from other garbage. Each container must weigh no more than 35 pounds. Paper yard-waste bags are available for purchase at most local grocery and hardware stores. Residents may also rent a yard waste container from the city for$2 per month during the yard waste collection period from April through November. To sign up for a City-provided,96-gallon container—which is not subject to the 35-pound limit please call 311. With great excitement for the new year,I wish you a very happy 2014. Sincerely, Mayor Pete Buttigieg