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Lexington's leaf collection program scheduled to roll out in early November

Stu Johnson

Starting the second week of November, leaf vacuum trucks will again be rolling through Lexington neighborhoods.

Starting the second week of November, leaf vacuum trucks will again be rolling through Lexington neighborhoods. Members of the Council’s Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee got a briefing this week. Council Member Jennifer Reynolds asked about any data on how successful the city service is in keeping leaves out of stormwater drainage areas. “Cause we’re looking at a big price tag and we’ve debated this program on and off for years. Some of our residents really love it, some don’t, and we get complaints from people every year,” said Reynolds.

Streets and Roads Director Rob Allen said his department budgets about $300,000 for leaf collection, but that doesn’t take into account other costs like maintenance. About 25% of collection is done through a private contractor for $150,000.

Weather conditions can cause a change in the schedule. Council Member Josh McCurn asked Streets and Roads Director Rob Allen about modifications. “We talked about inclement weather and postponing it. Will this postpone all, so if I’m supposed to be picked up on a Wednesday, but you postpone mine, does that mean I’m next in order or does that mean I’m going to be put at the end of the line? Oh, it would be the next day that we were able to go back to collection.”

Allen said sometimes a resumption of leaf collection can take 48 hours. The Streets and Roads director also told members of the Council committee securing enough workers to staff leaf collection is particularly challenging this year.

Allen said vacuum trucks are expected to run from November eighth through at least December 22nd.

Stu has been reporting for WEKU for more than 35 years. His primary beat is Lexington/Fayette government.
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