'Leaf' It Alone: Despite Debate, No Change Coming to Curbside Pick-Up Program

Public perception is that people have complained about the town's curbside leaf pick-up program and believe the second zone is picked up too early, but town staff said that is simply not the case.

The program has been effective, Southington Highway Superintendent  Steve Wlodkowski said, and program use is at greater than 90 percent with only a handful of complaints, adding that changing the program would nay complicate things.

"It's been effective and when you are having that high a compliance, it is something you really don't want to mess with," he told council members. "I think we are stretched for time now with the five week program."

The council last week voted to maintain the program, but not before discussions on whether to make adjustments to the program. Minority Leader Chris Palmieri said he's concerned that the five-week program leaves some without the opportunity to collect all that falls in their yard.

As council members, Palmieri said he hears from residents with concerns and believe the council should consider a six-week program that allows the second zone to also be picked up a second time.

The town program currently extends five weeks, starting in the first zone on Nov. 4 in 2013 as approved by the council last week, with each of four quadrants in town being addressed over the course of one week. Once completed, the town will make a second run through in the second quadrant.

"There have been concerns that the second session is too early for residents to catch all the leaves that fall," Palmieri said. "We've received emails and there are some who want this extended. aye we should consider just part of zone 2."

Wlodkowski said the town staff would consider if possible a partial run of zone two, but added that they are stretched in addressing Southington's nearly 300 miles of road pick-ups and New England whether -- and budgets -- make it difficult to address sections twice. He added that if there were reasonable reuests made due to issues, the department would make efforts to accommodate folks.

Peter Romano, chairman of the council's Public Works Committee, said the town needs to  be careful of complacency, however, as it "could extend to costs on the taxpayers."

He said a study has shown right now, compliance is high and adjusting could lead to more problems and complaints, not to mention costs, rather than fewer problems.

The town program will begin on Nov. 4 and the town's website will contain a link with all the details, Wlodkowski said.

Make sure to like Southington Patch on Facebook or follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!