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<br />the properties with yards that back up to alleys will not get the attention they need? He <br />stated that during the study session Mr. Wilson admitted that his department does not give <br />alleys regular attention and that it is done on a random basis. Yet those homes pay taxes <br />just like everybody else. Mr. Price stated that Councilman Glickert, who lived in that area, <br />strd <br />reported that there was a significant difference between the 1 Ward alleys and the 3 <br />Ward alleys, and the response was that it is based on cost. Mr. Price asked what was the <br />justification for saying that taxpayers whose properties back up to alleys can only get this <br />service on a random basis because it costs too much, when they are paying the same <br />taxes as everyone else? <br /> <br />Director of Public Works & Parks Richard Wilson stated that their concern with respect to <br />alleys is that they are difficult to sweep because of the numerous dumpsters and cars that <br />are parked there. But in spite of those facts, Mr. Wilson stated that what he had <br />recommended to his staff that they try to sweep the alleys at least once a year. <br /> <br />Mr. Price informed Mr. Wilson that what the policy states is that it shall be swept as needed. <br /> <br />Mr. Wilson agreed that that had been the original language, however during the study <br />session Council requested that the department address the alleys on a regular basis and <br />that is what he is proposing to do. If we can do it within our budget we would sweep the <br />alleys as needed, and at least once a year. Mr. Wilson stated that they often get calls <br />regarding a mess that needed to be cleaned up in an alley and his staff would take care of <br />it. <br /> <br />Mr. Price stated that the final recommendation does not state as needed and at least once <br />a year, if it can be accomplished within the department’s budget. <br /> <br />Mr. Wilson stated that he did not have a document entitled final recommendation however <br />during that study session Council had asked him to address the issue of increased service <br />to alleys and that had been his recommendation. <br /> <br />Mr. Price stated that his concern was that the recommendation is not in writing, so there <br />was nothing to ensure Council that Public Works was committed to doing anything. Mr. <br />Wilson stated that that was correct, and at this time he was stepping forward to say that the <br />alleys would be addressed. <br /> <br />Mr. Price recommended that Mr. Wilson’s statement be inserted into the policy prior to a <br />vote being taken. <br /> <br />Ms. Carr noted that the resolution referenced the fact that Council is supporting the street <br />sweeping policies and that we are directing the Director of Public Works to meet those <br />requirements. She questioned whether the new street sweeping policies that Mr. Wilson <br />discussed formulating during the study session are forthcoming, when could Council expect <br />to see them? <br /> <br />Mr. Wilson stated that the policy has been drafted and although it is not complete it could <br />be distributed to Council this week for informational purposes. <br /> <br />Mr. Sharpe asked Mr. Wilson if “as needed” meant when a resident called in or that staff <br />would sweep the alleys when they see that it is needed. <br /> <br />Mr. Wilson stated that it was based more on the concept of a resident calling in for <br />assistance. He stated that they did not have the staff to be able to drive through the alleys <br />on a daily basis, but that they took care of most of the issues that were reported by <br />residents. <br />8 <br /> <br /> <br />