A Weekly Note from Mayor Gary L. Graham
“Traditional Values, Progressive Thinking”
Fall has officially arrived, and with its arrival comes the traditional leaf drop that occurs each year as our beautiful trees prepare themselves for winter. While many of us appreciate the change in seasons and the cooler weather that fall brings, many residents also find it necessary to examine their leaf disposal options. O’Fallon residents have several options from which to choose.
· Waste Management provides weekly collection of unlimited amounts of yard waste, including leaves, at no additional charge. Leaves, grass clippings, etc. should be placed in brown biodegradable bags or plastic trash cans and placed at the curb for pickup. If using trash cans, residents should make certain the cans are clearly labeled “Yard Waste Only”. Residents may also request an extra 96-gallon cart at an additional $1.50 per month. “Yard Waste Only” stickers are available at City Hall or by calling Waste Management at 1-800-989-2783. Waste Management will not accept yard waste that is placed in any type of plastic bag.
· Residents who desire curbside leaf vacuum services may contract directly with local landscape companies who provide such services.
· As an alternative to raking and bagging leaves, residents may consider mulching their leaves using a mulching mower or spreading out the leaves and mowing over them with a regular mower.
· Composting is another alternative for leaf disposal. It’s easy and you can use compost as a soil amendment for your lawn, garden or houseplants.
Elderly or disabled residents who are not physically able to rake their leaves may call City Hall 624-4500, extension 2 and request to be placed on a list. We will make arrangements for volunteers to assist you.
I would like to take this opportunity to send a friendly reminder to residents that in accordance with Ordinance 3154, leaves, grass or any other yard waste or debris should not be placed in city streets, street gutters or public right-of-way. The placing of debris in these areas causes water drainage problems for you and your neighbors and costly maintenance problems for the City. Code Enforcement personnel will be actively enforcing Ordinance 3154 this fall and residents who are not in compliance with the ordinance will be notified via a door hanger. If the situation has not been corrected within the time stipulated, the violator will be subject to further enforcement action, including a fine.
Leaf burning is prohibited in the City of O’Fallon. Studies by the Environmental Health Center and American Thoracic Society (the medical branch of the American Lung Association), have found that the pollution produced by leaf burning results in an increase in acute respiratory illness. This is especially true for traditionally vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. The ordinance banning the burning of leaves and other yard waste within the City of O’Fallon has been in effect since January 1, 2004.
The health and safety of our residents is very important to me and by working together we can make sure that our loved ones remain healthy for generations to come. The strong working relationship between City Hall and the residents we serve is yet another example of why O’Fallon is such a great community in which to live.
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