05/13/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Bulky Waste Voucher Pilot Prograna The Cities of Lauderdale and Falcon Heights have identified a need for more efficient and effective ways for residents to dispose of bulky items such as mattresses, furniture and appliances. There are options, but they are inconvenient, costly and difficult for many residents. The result is a growing backlog of unwanted furniture and appliances stored in basements, garages and yards, and, too often, dumped illegally on public or private property. In the case of apartment buildings, this means bulky items are sometimes left on the curb or in the alley at the end of months when tenants have moved out. These items represent a public health and safety hazard and are a source of materials that could be recycled. Would some kind of seasonal or year-round curbside pick-up program for bulky items be the solution to this problem? Could multiple cities collaborate effectively to provide a common solution? In 2013, Lauderdale and Falcon Heights received a Public Entity Innovation Grant to address these questions by creating and testing a curbside collection pilot program for bulky waste items. Thep provided an opportunity for residents to sign up for one free bulky waste pickup during the 10 -week program. Because multi -family residences presented so many additional issues, the Cities decided to limit the pilot to single family homes and consider a second project to address multi -family. With the present application, the two Cities propose an effort to take that next step. Before a pilot collection project can even be designed for apartment buildings, there are many unknowns to investigate. at bulky waste items do owners/managers and tenants have to deal with? What disposal options are in place now for apartment residents? What instructions are given to tenants for moving out and disposing of bulky waste items? Are there specific times of the year that are more critical than others? Would landlords and tenants be interested in and willing to pay for a scheduled pick-up service? Falcon Height and Lauderdale propose to conduct a study of the bulky waste needs and issues at multi -family buildings or complexes in the two cities. Lauderdale has 8 multi -family complexes with 689 units and Falcon Heights has 18 multi -family complexes with 703 units. Apartment owners and- managers will be contacted and interviewed. Tenants will be given an opportunity to respond to a mailed or online survey. If a clear direction can be determined for a collection program that would meet needs of residents and property owners, a limited pilot collection and materials recycling program will be planned for late summer/early fall. If a pilot is conducted, it is likely to be a one-time event. Falcon Heights and Lauderdale propose to work with Foth Infrastructure and Environment, LLC to assist city staff in planning program details, publicizing the program in the community, conducting interviews and tenant surveys, gathering data and evaluating the program. Foth will