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March 18, 1983 <br /> • The following proposed Newsletter item represents the staff recom- <br /> mendation regarding the branch pick up program. Council input on <br /> this issue is requested. <br /> NO BRANCH PICK UP PROGRAM THIS YEAR <br /> A result of diminishing revenues is the need to reexamine the services <br /> provided by the City and alternatives, if they are available. Through <br /> staff reductions and efforts to reduce City costs, the City General <br /> Fund budget increased approximately 2% from 1982 to 1983 , even . <br /> though many utility, personnel and supply costs increased at a much <br /> greater pace. <br /> In the past several years , the City has picked up branches throughout <br /> the community each spring. The program, which originally was slated <br /> to assist in removing dead branches resulting from Dutch Elm disease, <br /> has grown dramatically both in taxpayer cost and in man hours needed <br /> to accomplish the program. <br /> As we explored alternatives available to the City, we checked with <br /> all of the local garbage haulers and find that they will remove <br /> branches from homes in the community if they are cut to proper lengths <br /> and bundled to the proper size. The cost of this service varies <br /> among haulers , but in all cases it is less than the City would have <br /> • to charge to each homeowner if the City-operated program were con- <br /> tinued. For this reason, we feel that private enterprise should <br /> have the opportunity to provide this service. We suggest that you <br /> contact your garbage hauler about rates and about their requirements <br /> for bundling, maximum length and size of branches, pick up dates , etc . <br /> so that your branches can be removed quickly and efficiently. <br /> Although we are unable to continue the branch pick up program, we <br /> hope to avoid cuts in other services and will continue to try to find <br /> more efficient and cost effective methods of providing police and fire <br /> services as well as public works functions , such as snow plowing, <br /> street sweeping, seal coating and sewer, water and parks maintenance. <br /> Thank you for your cooperation. <br /> DMC/cj k <br />