In a proactive move as wildfire season approaches, Chase council will be implementing a pilot program for coniferous vegetative material curbside pickup.
The initiative was first proposed at the May 28 meeting, with staff having been instructed to bring back information on costs and viability of having village staff or a contractor do the work. In the report to council, chief administrative officer Joni Heinrich outlined that the estimated collection from 150 properties in a three-day campaign by a contractor came in between $7,000 and $12,000. While using public works staff would save money, it would take up to five days and would result in their other work being postponed.
As the budget has already been set, Heinrich said the funds could be taken from other departments that have funding available for consulting and contracted services.
Coun. Colin Connett supported the initiative, but did have some concern around the financials.
"I'm not really happy about taking that money out... the little bits and pieces," he said, but added they would need to bring in a contractor. "You can't put public works out there for five days. But it's a great thing, there's no two ways about it. I'm all for it."
Coun. Jane Herman agreed the program would be beneficial, but pointed out the village is currently hiring a FireSmart facilitator and should maybe wait for that.
"I agree... we should probably do this. But my concern was... that we're putting the cart before the horse because we are hiring a FireSmart coordinator," she commented. "And I'm wondering how much of this would be covered by that, if there was funding."
Heinrich explained, however, that the actual fuel mitigation portion of the FireSmart funding is typically paid in the second year, while the first focuses on training, and education for staff and residents.
She added that the job posting closes on July 15, and they’ve had some strong candidates apply and anticipates they’ll have someone in place later that month.
Mayor David Lepsoe was fully onboard with awarding a contract and taking action on this preventative measure.
"It's not a lot of money, so I'm going to be OK with going ahead with this. I think it's going to be good for the town," he said. "We're kind of doing it on the fly, but at least it shows that we're doing something."
Council unanimously approved the motion to engage a contractor to service a maximum of 150 properties, with the work not to exceed $12,000 that will be taken from the public relations and administration budgets.
