Even in winter, Elgin seeks permanent solution to leaf removal

Stung by criticism over leaf removal last fall and this winter, Elgin city leaders are pledging to come up with a permanent solution soon.

"I want something done right now that's not going to be dragged on and on and on," City Manager Olufemi Folarin said.

Tonight the city staff will outline a plan to hold focus groups, demonstrations of new equipment and meetings with residents to come up with a better plan to collect fallen leaves.

Last week, the city enforced a temporary parking ban to sweep up leaves from the curbs in the Elgin Historic District.

Collection ceased Nov. 30, but the leaves fell late and snow came early, leading to rotting piles along some roads.

Folarin said Tuesday only one car was towed during the recent operation. He credited clear communication between the city and residents.

Folarin said the city would form a committee to study the issue and offer a solution for city council leaders to OK.

He said the ideal plan would be one that lets leaf and snow removal crews do their jobs effectively. He also hinted that a solution could involve some type of parking ban.

"We're going to come up at the end of this with some type of parking plan," Folarin said. "It's not something the city is looking at doing to make life miserable for everybody. It's something to make our city and neighborhoods safe, clean and (as areas) everybody can be proud of."

Leaf collection has been a problem in Elgin's older neighborhoods with large trees.

The city has most residents in the older parts of town rake their leaves to the curb so a truck can scoop them up.

Over the summer, city council members balked at a plan to require all residents to bag their leaves, conceding that it would be too arduous and expensive for homeowners.