LEAF REMOVAL IS ON SCHEDULE, CITY OFFICIALS SAY

Leaves are leaving neighborhoods in northeast Cape Girardeau, thanks to the city's annual leaf-removal program.

Tim Gramling, assistant public works director, said city crews are on schedule to complete the program in mid-December. Currently, crews are working in Zone C, which includes neighborhoods north and east of Southeast Missouri State University. "We finished Zone B last week right on schedule," Gramling said. "After this zone we'll have three more in the city." Zone B is roughly bounded by William, Kingshighway, Bertling and West End Boulevard.

This is a good time to work in neighborhoods near the university because there generally is less on-street parking and traffic to maneuver around due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Gramling said.

On-street parking has not interfered with the pickup any more than in previous years. The biggest difference in this year's program has been the dry weather, which allows the machinery to work more efficiently. However, Gramling said residents should be careful to rake only leaves to the curb."The leaves are just kind of different whenever they're drier rather than wet, so they are easier on the machines," he said. "Trash and brush don't go through the machine well."Crews from the public works department have been vacuuming leaves from curbsides since Nov. 8. The city was divided into six zones for the project, and four or more crews work clearing leaves within each zone for one week before moving on. Because of the scheduling, it is possible that crews may clear some neighborhoods before all residents have raked their yards. Although only one visit is scheduled in each zone, crews might have time to revisit some neighborhoods. But Gramling said he can't make any promises."We don't promise anything, because it depends on conditions," he said. "If we have time, we may make a quick sweep through some of the zones. It usually depends on how many other things we need to do."Property owners hoping to rejuvenate their soil volunteer their land as a place to deposit the vacuumed leaves, which cannot be taken to landfills. Although the land is donated, the city must still comply with state and federal mandates, Gramling said."We can't just take the leaves and dump them. There are a lot of regulations we have to meet when we do this," he said.

Residents don't have to participate in the leaf removal program. Until Dec. 23, they also can take their leaves to the city's compost holding area on Third Street just off LaCruz Street. The drop-off site is open weekdays from noon to 5 and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The city has offered leaf removal since the early 1960s, when the first trucks and machinery were purchased for the program. While some of the equipment is beginning to show its age, Gramling said contingency plans are in place to ensure the continuation of the service.

Said Gramling: "There's really no question about the future of the program. We're going to continue it as long as it's necessary."