Urging the Nutter Administration to reinstitute mechanical leaf collection service in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, In the fall of 2009, in response to the decision by the Administration to eliminate mechanical leaf collection service, a resolution was introduced at City Council on November 5, 2009 seeking a resumption of the service; and

WHEREAS, Despite the adoption of that resolution co-sponsored by thirteen City Council members, the City failed to reinstitute the much needed service; and

WHEREAS, Piles of leaves left curbside can become rain-soaked, thus creating slick surfaces that pose a serious safety hazard for both drivers and pedestrians and such piles of leaves can become dried out posing a fire hazard, particularly when exposed to the hot surfaces of the underside of a vehicle; and

WHEREAS, Piles of leaves left in a public right-of-way will create similar hazards endangering public structures including bridges, buildings, etc.; and

WHEREAS, Piles of leaves left curbside will clog storm water inlets; and

WHEREAS, Piles of leaves left curbside may create an attractive nuisance to children who can sustain serious or fatal injuries when struck by a vehicle while playing in the leaf piles; and

WHEREAS, Piles of leaves left curbside will complicate snowplowing; and

WHEREAS, Piles of leaves left curbside reduce the overall number of available parking spaces within a neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Additional costs will be incurred by the City of Philadelphia if separate personnel and trucks from the Streets Department must be utilized to collect leaf-filled, biodegradable paper bags;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it urges the Nutter Administration to reinstitute mechanical leaf collection service in the City of Philadelphia.

End