To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Transportation and Public Works
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz 707-565-2231
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
Community Roadside Clean Up Program
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Recommended Actions:
Recommended action
Approve a community roadside cleanup program that will allow non-profit organizations and community groups to perform roadside cleanup within the road right-of-way.
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Executive Summary:
Community groups have expressed interest in participating in a program that assists the County in cleaning up county road right-of-way. Transportation and Public Works (TPW) seeks approval to implement a volunteer based roadside cleanup program that will allow participation from local community groups and non-profit organizations.
Discussion:
Keeping the County’s road right-of-way litter free is a resource intensive task. There are 1,368.83 miles within the County’s maintained mileage system and it is an on-going challenge to keep them clean. Litter-strewn roads have a negative impact on pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicular traffic, and tourism. It detracts from the view, degrades the environment, attracts vermin, and endangers people and wildlife. Community members are concerned by trash on our roads and are looking to make a difference. Currently, the TPW works with Probation Crews to collect large items discarded illegally at an average cost of $11,000 annually from the fees to discard of the items properly. TPW also works with its contracted hauler for roadside cleanup at an average cost of $22,500 annually for roadside cleanup within the County and all the cities within Sonoma County. The Roadside Clean Up Program (Program) provides for a cleaner environment, civic pride, serves as a reminder not to litter, save tax-payers money, and allows County crews to concentrate on other road maintenance related activities.
The Program is designed to make it simple for those wishing to participate. A group may contact TPW and request an application for a particular county road segment. The Program applies to all types of County roadways however, some sections of roadway may be unacceptable for clean-up and limited for the following reasons: heavy traffic, dense vegetation, narrow road shoulders, restricted visibility, poor road alignment, rugged terrain, steep slopes. TPW will advise whether a certain section of roadway is acceptable for cleaning by volunteers. If deemed adequate and safe, the group will be required to sign an agreement form, a release of liability, indemnification, and assumption of risk statement. TPW will provide the group with a safety briefing, links to training videos, barricades, signs, vests, trash grabbers, and trash bags. Included in the safety briefing, the group will be directed to wear personal protective equipment, as well as, to carry their own water to stay hydrated. TPW will add restrictions to road segments under construction, high traffic volumes, narrow width, restricted lines of sight, or any other conditions as necessary to ensure the safety of participants.
When a group finishes a cleanup event, they will take the collected trash to one of the County’s transfer stations or landfill for disposal. The group leader will complete an activity report including information about the final disposal location of the materials.
The Program is a fun and easy way for our community to spend time outdoors with other engaged citizens and help to keep our county roads clean for pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicular traffic, and tourism. It also raises public awareness to modify behaviors. TPW is seeking approval to implement the program to partner with community groups and non-profits in their effort to make a difference and keep Sonoma County beautiful.
Funding for the supplies, labor, and fees associated with facilitating this program is covered by the road and refuse funds. TPW is also working with other agencies and members of the public to augment the funding as the program grows.
Prior Board Actions:
None
Fiscal Summary
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FY 18-19 Adopted |
FY19-20 Projected |
FY 20-21 Projected |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
The program will be funded by road and refuse funds. It will be included in the Roads Division Maintenance and Refuse Budgets if approved. At this time, TPW estimates approximately seven (7) Roadside Cleanup projects will occur each fiscal year, at a cost of $150 for barricades, signs, vests, trash grabbers, and trash bags. The Department will track annual costs and report to the Board annually.
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
NA
Attachments:
Participant Agreement, Volunteer Release and Manual
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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