Elgin officials issue public apology over leaf collection

Elgin city staff members apologized Wednesday night for poor leaf collection in the fall and winter and pledged to craft a plan to do better this year.

"I feel it's important for us to apologize to the community for our inadequate services," Dave Lawry, the city's general services manager, told city council members.

Added Sean Stegall, assistant city manager: "We look forward to appearing before you a year from now with a much different story to tell."

A late leaf drop and early snow resulted in rotting piles of leaves in many of the city's older sections with large trees. City crews finally got around to scooping up the piles from curb sides this month.

Lawry, Stegall and other city staff members are working on a plan to improve leaf removal.

A parking ban has not been suggested yet, but it likely will be considered by the council, which must sign off on any plan.

The city plans to improve communication with residents via a new Web site with a map of when and where leaves will be collected, more fliers, more automated calling, more staff overtime and focus groups with neighborhood leaders, where more ideas could emerge.

Stegall said it's too early to tell whether the plan will require that the city hire more public works employees.

Councilman Michael Powers said most of the feedback he has individually received from residents has been positive.

"The people I talked to, the leaf pickup in most of the city was good," he said. "I know we'll do better next year."