DPW Gets Ready for Leaf Collection

The Town Council was briefed on leaf collection preparations Tuesday night.

Bids have been received for the collection of leaves at curbside and a winning bid will likely be awarded next week by the Council. Town Engineer Kris McAloon said he had to conduct some final research on one bidder, who is new to bidding with the town government. The bid amounts are on track to be similar to last years. The bid will include picking up leaves at curbside, transporting leaves to the conservation center and hauling leaves to the county.

According to town estimates, Westfield generates the highest volume of leaves in Union County.

Council members asked why the town chooses not to use vacuums to collect leaves at curbside. McAloon said the manual system is better since there are technical issues with using vacuums. The issues include wet leaves being stuck in the filters of the vacuums.

"This system works quicker," Town Administrator Jim Gildea said.