REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: Regular Meeting of January 23, 2024
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBMITTED BY: Dante Hall, City Manager
SUBJECT: Authorization to Establish a Volunteer “Team Up to Clean Up Hercules” Pilot Program RECOMMENDATION ACTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
Adopt a resolution establishing a six-month Volunteer “Team Up to Clean Up Hercules” Pilot Program; and Appropriate $1,500 from the FY 2023-2024 General fund for the pilot program expenditures, or Provide alternative directions.
BACKGROUND:
At the December 12, 2023, the City Council approved a request from Council Member Grimsley for staff to develop a proposal for implementing a community clean-up program.
Community clean up programs provide an opportunity to bring residents and other community stakeholders together in a joint effort to eliminate litter in our streets, storm drains, parks, and the natural environment. Keeping our community free of unsightly litter makes it safer for us all. For the past several months, the City has been building a list of volunteers that are passionate about helping to keep our community beautiful. That core group can serve as the foundation for establishing a “Team Up to Clean Up Hercules” Pilot Program.
ANALYSIS:
As Council contemplates initiating a community clean-up program, it’s important to consider available staff resources needed to successfully launch this effort. For this reason, staff is proposing a monthly, six-month pilot program utilizing City staff that are regularly scheduled to work during clean up events, along with minimal administrative oversight. After six months, the City would evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot and decide whether the program should continue. The clean ups will occur on designated Saturdays between the hours of 8am-11am. Volunteers will not be required to stay for the entire event. Events would be cancelled during rain.
If approved, the “Team Up to Clean Up Hercules” Pilot Program could be structured as follows:
Registration - Interested participants are encouraged to pre-register online using the volunteer site to sign the mandatory waiver to and to help City Staff gauge how many supplies are needed.
All registered volunteers will receive a copy of these Team Up to Clean Up guidelines (attached). Registered volunteers will also receive details regarding the check-in location a couple of days before the clean-up.
Check-in – Volunteers will pick up gloves, safety vests, trash bags, and tools at the check-in site for each event. All volunteers must sign in, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers will receive a safety briefing prior to beginning the clean-up activities.
Team Up to Clean Up – Volunteers will collect litter from pre-selected locations and leave filled trash bags, gloves, and borrowed tools at the check-in location for City staff to pick up.
Pick Up A Giveaway – In exchange for their volunteerism, each participant will pick up a small giveaway to express our appreciation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The costs for trash bags, gloves, safety vests, tools, and giveaways for a six-month pilot program will be approximately $1,500. One-time funding could be made available from the general fund. There is a sufficient appropriation balance in 100-4010-621.50-00 to absorb these costs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
“Team Up To Clean Up Hercules” Pilot Program Guidelines Liability Waiver