Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee met on September 25, 2019, with Fred Brown presiding as the committee chair. The committee addressed two informational agenda items during the session, focusing on municipal services and emerging technology infrastructure.

The meeting covered the 2019 Leaf Collection Plan and discussed 5G Wireless Small Cells, both presented as informational items to keep committee members updated on relevant departmental activities and policy considerations. Committee members received presentations on these topics to better understand operational plans and technological developments affecting the community.

The committee took one formal vote during the meeting, though no public comments were heard during the session. Both agenda items were handled as informational presentations rather than requiring formal action, allowing committee members to gather information and ask questions about the city's leaf collection operations for the upcoming season and the implications of 5G wireless infrastructure deployment.

Attendance

Present: • Fred Brown • Kay • McKern • Jake Gibbs • Bledsoe • Reynolds • Maloney • Evans • Mosatti

Absent: • Mr. Farmer

Late: • None

Nine committee members were present for the meeting, with one member absent.

Votes and Decisions

The committee conducted one vote during this meeting.

Approval of August 20, 2019 Committee Summary 0:30 - Motion by: Kay - Seconded by: McKern - Vote type: Voice vote - Outcome: Passed

The committee approved the summary from their previous meeting held on August 20, 2019, through a voice vote with no opposition recorded.

Budget and Financial Actions

The committee reviewed one significant financial item during this meeting.

Leaf Collection Program Contract The committee discussed a $920,000 contract with Republic Services for the leaf collection program. This contract represents a substantial municipal expenditure for seasonal waste management services that will provide leaf collection services to residents throughout the community.

*Note: Specific resolution numbers and transcript timestamps were not available in the provided meeting materials for this financial item.*

Contested Items

The Committee meeting featured one primary area of contention during discussions of municipal services.

Leaf Collection Program

A heated discussion emerged regarding the city's leaf collection program, with council members raising concerns about both its cost-effectiveness and operational impact. The debate centered on multiple aspects of the program's implementation and value to residents.

Council members questioned the program's effect on the city's sewer systems, suggesting that current leaf collection practices may be contributing to infrastructure problems. Additionally, concerns were raised about the fairness of service distribution, with some members arguing that the program may not be equitably serving all neighborhoods and residents throughout the city.

The discussion highlighted disagreements over the program's overall effectiveness relative to its cost, with participants debating whether the current approach represents the best use of municipal resources. The nature of the debate suggests significant differences of opinion among council members regarding how the leaf collection program should be structured, funded, or potentially modified.

*Note: Specific timestamp information was not available for this agenda item.*

The outcome of this discussion was not specified in the available meeting materials, indicating the matter may require further deliberation or could be revisited in future committee sessions.

2019 Leaf Collection Plan

5:00

Rob Allen presented the annual summary of the proposed leaf collection efforts for 2019. The leaf collection program is scheduled to begin on November 4th and will involve coordinated efforts between multiple service providers.

The collection plan includes two primary components:

• Vacuum leaf collection to be conducted by the Streets and Roads department
• Additional collection services provided by Republic Services specifically in Zone C

Allen's presentation provided an overview of the operational framework for the upcoming leaf collection season, outlining how the city will manage the annual removal of fallen leaves from residential areas. The dual-service approach combines municipal resources through the Streets and Roads department with contracted services from Republic Services to ensure comprehensive coverage across the city.

The presentation was informational in nature, providing committee members with details about the timing and logistics of the leaf collection program. No specific concerns were raised during the discussion, and no action items or decisions were required from the committee regarding the proposed plan.

The November 4th start date aligns with typical seasonal timing for leaf collection programs, allowing the city to begin operations as trees enter their peak leaf-dropping period in early fall.

5G Wireless Small Cells

120:00

CIO Valencinti provided an informational presentation on the deployment of 5G wireless technology and small cell infrastructure within the city. The discussion focused on the city's regulatory role in managing telecommunications infrastructure in public right-of-way areas.

Valencinti explained the technical aspects of 5G small cell deployment, emphasizing how these smaller cellular installations differ from traditional cell towers. The presentation covered the city's responsibilities in overseeing where and how telecommunications companies can install this equipment in public spaces.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on aesthetic considerations for small cell installations. Valencinti addressed how the city balances the need for improved wireless coverage and faster data speeds with maintaining the visual character of neighborhoods and commercial areas. The presentation outlined the review process for small cell applications and the design standards that telecommunications providers must meet.

The CIO discussed the city's role in managing public right-of-way access for these installations, including permitting processes and coordination with utility companies and other infrastructure providers. The presentation covered how small cells integrate with existing utility poles, streetlights, and other public infrastructure.

This was an informational presentation with no formal action required from the committee. The discussion provided committee members with background knowledge on 5G technology deployment and the city's regulatory framework for managing telecommunications infrastructure in public spaces.