TITLE
ORDER OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERS CONCERNING CREATING A REVENUE-GENERATING COMPOSTING PLAN THAT INCLUDES ACQUIRING EQUIPMENT (A TUB GRINDER AND VACUUM UNITS) TO COLLECT LEAVES DURING YEARLY LEAF REMOVAL PICKUPS.
BODY
WHEREAS: Many residents in the City of New Haven strongly support and encourage the creation of a self-subsidizing budget with simultaneously environmentally sustainable implications; and
WHEREAS: residents encourage the purchase of machinery to pick up leaves off the street during a certain time period; and
WHEREAS: a city-run composting and tree grinding service for fallen tree parts, lawn debris, leaves, and a composting center for food scraps will be a very positive service for the environment and for property owners; and
WHEREAS: it would be especially beneficial if property owners could pay a fee to have the appropriate city department vacuum up leaves that have been raked, enclosed, and placed near the curb during the time of yearly leaf removal pickups; and
WHEREAS: residents and businesses can purchase mulch and compost from the city-run center at a reasonable price, less expensive than a private service would encourage more residents to purchase mulch and compost from the city-run center, would encourage more residents to participate; and
WHEREAS: the Town of Hamden has increased its budget to purchase a tub grinder. (New Haven Independent article, “There’s Gold In Them Thar Hill,” Aug. 5, 2022, and Town of Hamden meeting Minutes August 1 and August 15, 2022).
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED that the City of New Haven and all appropriate city departments, including New Haven Parks/Public Works, develop a revenue-generating strategy that includes acquiring equipment for composting and the collection of leaves off the street during yearly leaf removal pickups.