PIEDMONT — The Piedmont Park Commission talked trash March 6 at their last meeting.
The city is working on enhancing compliance with what discarded items go where in receptacles in public places such as parks, schools and the civic center. Parks and project manager Nancy Kent asked for feedback from the commission as the plan develops: Should there be illustrated signage on the carts? What type of carts are best? Should school children create posters to put near the carts?
Public Works Director Chester Nakahara said that in public places, “People are not following the guidelines (for what goes where). It’s a challenge that needs ongoing education.” Nakahara did add that private homes do a pretty good job at sorting their refuse.
Piedmont is committed to reducing solid waste that goes to landfills and has been successful. Ninety percent of refuse from the Harvest Festival was diverted from landfills; 96 percent was diverted from the Turkey Trot. But in parks, events at the Veterans Hall and wedding groups some improvement is still needed, said Laura McKaughan of consultants Abbe and Associates.
The city is doing its part by using compostable cups and tableware at city events and discouraging use of plastic clamshells that food trucks use for food containers at events. The firm was hired with funds paid by waste haulers Republic to oversee efforts to better educate the public. The campaign to do so is called the Piedmont Evergreen Team.
In other business: Plans are coalescing for Arbor Day, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. April 11 at Piedmont Community Hall. There will be speakers, music, a slide show, light refreshments and recognition of nominated heritage trees for 2019 and those who nominated the trees. The public is encouraged to attend. New fire Chief Bret Black will speak about the trees in the state affected by fire and/or disease.
Mayor Bob McBain awarded pins to those who nominated the chosen heritage trees for 2018 — Sue Herrick and Cameron Wolfe for the redwood “Christmas tree” in Piedmont Park; Jim Horner for the poplar trees at the Exedra; Betsy Goodman for the magnolia tree at the Lexford/Hampton triangle; and Lyle Gordon for dawn redwoods in lower Dracena Court.
Maintenance supervisor Dave Frankel updated the panel on emergency storm events that caused the removal of several trees at Dracena park, including a 162-year-old eucalyptus that was compromised, and two other trees that posed a toppling hazard. The removed trees will all be replaced, Kent said.
