Provide the City Council with an overview of the City's Street Sweeping Operations and discuss the program elements, delivery and expectations.  The City Council has requested a discussion of potential strategies for cleaning up cinders in a more timely and efficient manner.

The Streets Section is responsible for the maintenance and overall condition of the community transportation infrastructure.  This includes 700 lane miles of roadway, signalized intersections, adjacent bike routes and sidewalks.  Sweeping is a critical element and valued program that provides for a clean and debris-free surface.  Each season, varying factors create different types of debris and program adjustments occur often to respond quickly and efficiently. In addition to general trash, litter and dust, listed below are some typical examples of added elements.
  
      - Summer - Monsoon storm debris, community litter, shouldering material and dirt wash out.  
      - Fall - Leaves and pine needles.
      - Winter - Ice cinders and storm clean up after every event.
      - Spring - Post winter ice cinder clean up, blowing trash and debris, striping and markings preparation.

In addition to the constant upkeep and regular sweeping program, operators will assist with vehicle accident clean up, storm response and summer shouldering projects as time allows.  Currently, Streets has 3 front line sweepers that are operated by full-time staff members.  Two operators cover night sweeping operations Sunday through Thursday with focus on the main routes.  One operator is scheduled in the morning hours and day shift Monday through Thursday assigned to neighborhoods.

Sweeping equipment is specialized and our fleet is relatively new and functioning well.  Production sweeping allows an operator to cover good distances each shift and make the most of each pass.  The most relevant alternative to the current ice cinder program would be to consider a chemical de-icing and pre-treatment program during winter events.  A pilot program was implemented by the City of Flagstaff in 2007.  The program was discontinued following the 2009 winter season due to cost reductions and mixed community feedback.  Chemical de-icing programs have certainly improved in the past 10 years as the application rates and products have improved. The chemical treatment results can be impressive and road conditions will be improved more quickly in most instances. Environmental concerns, cost and infrastructure fatigue continue to be common program drawbacks.


 

Power Point Presentation is included