The Delimma of Storm Debris

Sylvania Township has been receiving numerous phone calls and emails regarding storm debris pickup from residents expecting us to pick-up storm debris that has been placed in the roadway by residents. At the same time, we have also been fielding phone calls from residents who are complaining about neighbors who are placing yard debris in the roadway, obstructing parking spaces, making it difficult to see on-coming and cross traffic, and unsightly refuse piles. Who should we respond to, those expecting additional services or those who believe their neighbors are not tending their own lawns appropriately?

So let me start off with our policy on brush pickup. We provide brush pickup services twice a year, once in April and once in September. There is no policy to pick up storm-related debris after severe storms go through the area. On a case-by-case basis, trustees (former and current) have directed the public works department to perform brush pickup in certain areas and after certain severe weather. But there was no consistency with regard to when it was done, who received the services, or what other projects may suffer in order to provide this un-stated service.

Where does that leave us with regard to the current brush piles located in some roadways? At our last regular meeting, the trustees discussed the issue and agreed that we could not pull our crews off of some very necessary and important infrastructure jobs for the 4-5 weeks it would take to complete a township-wide brush pick-up. These infrastructure projects include long-delayed maintenance of Schlicker Ditch to prevent flooding, asphalt patching, roadside mowing, street sweeping, catch basin and storm drain repairs and resurfacing projects.

In 2008 we received $599,000 in grants and loans from the Ohio Public Works Commission for local road resurfacing and reconstruction projects. We are required to complete certain services and projects in order to receive these monies. If we do not complete these projects, in violation of our agreements, we default on the current loans and grants, and hinder our ability to receive additional loans and grants in the future.

These projects maintain our infrastructure which contributes to a quality community. If we divert resources to brush pickup, we are in essence emphasizing aesthetic priorities over the need to keep our infrastructure maintained. In the long run, failing infrastructure will be more detrimental to our community than unsightly debris in roadways after storms.

This fall's brush pickup will start September 8. If you wish to dispose of yard waste prior to that, I would encourage you to contact your private refuse company or use the free drop-off facility maintained by the Lucas County Solid Waste District at 6505 West Bancroft St.

If you have placed debris in the street in front of your house, I suggest you remove it; it is illegal to obstruct the roadway as it interferes with road safety and street sweeping. Help keep our community clean.