The Clinton Streets Department could be making an upgrade to their equipment which will help them make leaf clean up in the fall more efficient.

The Street Department is looking into purchasing a new leaf vac system. Steve Lobb, Public Works Director for the City of Clinton explains the unit the Street Department is looking to purchase is different than the current system they use. Currently the units they use once put together are used only for leaf clean up.

[audio:leafvac1.mp3]A Word From Lobb[/audio]

The leaf clean up has not been around very long, and Lobb says adding this new leaf vac will help make the peak season much more bearable for the Street Department in trying to keep up with the demand for leaf clean up.

[audio:leafvac2.mp3]A Word From Lobb[/audio]

When looking into purchasing the leaf vac system, Lobb had received 2 bids, and right away it became apparent who to go with, but not because of cost. Lobb explains one company was the higher bidder, but also their unit would not be delivered to the city until late November or even early December. According to Lobb, the low bidder is guaranteeing the leaf vac system will be here by mid-October.

[audio:leafvac3.mp3]A Word From Lobb[/audio]

The leaf vac system, pending approval from the City Council at their next meeting, will be a cost of just over $27-thousand. Depending on how the new unit does this fall, Lobb says they could be looking to trade in a current unit next year. He also adds, the new leaf vac system will allow for a spring clean up option as well, which is being looked into.