During the 2006 leaf season, yard waste collection was extremely delayed. The delays were the result of unusually heavy leaf volumes at the curb in portions of all collection zones, but major delays were experienced in the South and East zones. There are several "lessons learned". Staff has identified action steps to address these issues if this situation occurs again. Attached is a copy of the presentation that was planned for the Manager's Report last Monday evening but was not presented due to time constraints.
Barry Moose, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division 10 Engineer, spoke to the Council Transportation Committee about lighting and litter initiatives underway by the NCDOT. Mr. Moose told the Committee that improving the lighting and litter situation was very important to him.
Regarding Lighting, the problem area was generally described as I-277 plus the portion of I-77 up to I-85. The lighting system in this area is 35 years old and is beyond the point of repair. The NCDOT is looking at two options and would like some feedback from the City. The first option is using solar lights, which would cost $1-1.2 million for full replacement of the system. The NCDOT has been testing this system on I-77 at LaSalle Street. The lights they would use for the replacement would be brighter than those being tested, while still not as bright as the standard lights. Spacing of lighting would ensure that they meet the required illumination standards. This replacement could be completed without additional State TIP dollars and could begin installation by Summer 2007.
The second option for lighting would be to do a full replacement of the standard lighting package that exists today. This option would cost $6 - $8M and would have to be financed through one time use of Equity Funds or through GARVEE Bonds. GARVEE Bonds are bonds issued in anticipation of future Federal funds and subject to the Equity Formula, but the cost is repaid over 12 years. This option could be implemented by Fall-Winter 2007.
The Council Transportation Committee seemed to prefer the solar option, due to the lower cost, ability to implement quicker and beneficial environmental effect. Staff will discuss these options with City Council as part of other TIP related issues on February 12.
Regarding Litter, Mr. Moose said that bids were being opened shortly to contract out maintenance of litter pickup, mowing, and landscape maintenance to private companies. These contracts would be performance-based and would hold the companies to a much higher standard than what is presently being done. In addition to increasing the rate of litter pickup, Mr. Moose would like to have enforcement and education emphasized. He thinks he can get the Highway Patrol to do what he called a "Wolfpack" patrol, or a blitz to police and ticket offenders. He indicated that he would appreciate if the Highway Patrol could partner with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. The blitz would be well publicized prior to implementation. Lastly, Mr. Moose indicated he was securing two additional inmate crews to assist in litter pick-up.
I wanted to let you know I have appointed Keith Richardson to serve as interim director of Corporate Communications, replacing Julie Hill, who joined the Police Department as public affairs director. He will manage the department while the City conducts a search for a permanent successor.
Keith has already been doing a good bit of the work since Julie went over to CMPD in October so this is a natural next step. Because he is up to speed on most of the issues, I am confident we won't miss a beat while the search is underway.
As interim director, Keith will manage 18 employees who provide internal and external communications support to City administration and key businesses, including managing the City's web site, producing and broadcasting programming on The Government Channel and assisting with graphics, photography and other services.
Keith joined the City as a communications specialist in 1999 and was promoted to Assistant Director in 2004. He holds a B.A. in Mass Communications from Campbell University and a M.A. in Organizational Communications from Queens University. Before joining the City, he served as a U.S. Army public affairs specialist in the following units: U.S. Army Parachute Team and 18th Airborne Corps Public Affairs Office, both stationed at Fort Bragg, and the U.S. Army Berlin Public Affairs Office, Berlin, Germany.
