Title
Presentation: Right-of-Way Litter Control Resources
Body
Issue/Request:
Presentation: Right-of-Way Litter Control Resources
Key Issues:
Share information and generate more public awareness regarding litter control resources for public rights-of-ways:
- City Right-of-Way Programs (e.g. Adopt-A-Street)
- State/MoDOT Right-of-Way Programs (e.g. Adopt-A-Highway & Sponsor-A-Highway)
Background:
Citizen concerns regarding beautification in the community, including street-side, stream-ways and public property/park lands landscape maintenance, mowing, and litter control have initiated a conversation about available resources, awareness and improvement opportunities. The June 21, 2022, City Council agenda included a very broad presentation of challenges, current programs and resources, and opportunities addressing a wide range of issues related to beautification. A high-level review with limited information was shared about City and State (MoDOT) right-of-way litter control programs, among other City programs associated with Parks, Beautification Commission event(s), and Water Utility educational resources. The previous presentation also included some comparison of programs offered in other Cities; and list of national events the City may want to engage in the future (e.g. Arbor Day, Leave No Trace, World Water Day, National Public Lands Day, etc.). Considering the high-level presentation, numerous City Council questions were posed more specific to litter control on street and highway rights-of-ways that had not been fully addressed at the time. There was a general interest in more litter control program information and deeper dive into opportunities for improved volunteer facilitation coordination. Some of those outstanding questions have been informally restated below:
- Is there more information available about the current litter control programs that City Staff and City Council can share with residents that want to help?
- Will Staff clarify City and State responsibilities, and program processes, so residents know where to go and how to participate in these volunteer opportunities?
- How do volunteers get involved in available litter control programs with the City and/or State (MoDOT)?
- Can informational resources regarding volunteer opportunities be more accessible, less confusing and/or easier to find?
- How can the City promote more awareness and educational information for available litter clean up programs?
- Are there opportunities for non-profits to help litter control through these programs without program participation?
- Can non-profits partner with the City for coordinating litter clean-up events?
- Could the City create a sort of "One-Stop-Shop" centralized information center for resident questions about litter control, volunteer coordination assistance, and event facilitation?
- Would the City be able to plan Citywide litter clean-up events (e.g. quarterly) or form a non-profit partnership to do coordinated Citywide clean-up events whereby the City provides trash bags, safety vests, and scheduled bag pick-ups?
- What can the City do to help coordinate non-programmatic clean-up interests and more synergy with volunteer efforts?
The subject presentation intends to expand upon the specific beautification issue of litter control in public rights-of-ways. The presentation should address the aforementioned unanswered questions from the June 21, 2022 City Council meeting related to litter control; to provide more detailed litter control program information, more public information, more awareness and resource assistance for citizens to engage those resources for cleaner streets and highways. This presentation should furthermore address a Council request for program information, web links, etc. that can be shared with constituents; and another opportunity for additional questions and clarifications.
Presenter
Michael Park, Director of Public Works