HomeMy WebLinkAboutEstablish "Adopt-A-Highway" ProgramREQUEST:
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
Establish an "Adopt -A -Highway" Volunteer Services Program
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works
DATE: January 8, 2009
Recommendation:
By Minute Motion, establish an Adopt -A -Highway Program allowing citizens and
citizen groups to provide litter removal on a volunteer basis.
Discussion:
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) established a statewide "Adopt -
A -Highway" program in 1989. Under the program, citizens and citizen groups are
allowed to donate materials, equipment, and services for roadside maintenance or
enhancement. Such a program promotes cleaner and more beautiful roadsides and
helps to prevent potential pollutants from entering the waterways. According to
Caltrans, the State program provides a $14.5 million savings to California taxpayers
each year.
When the City of Palm Desert assumed jurisdiction over State Routes 111 and 74 in
2008, any Adopt -A -Highway agreements in existence with Caltrans became void for
those sections of highway within our city limits. The Public Works Department has now
been contacted by at least two groups that request permission to continue providing
litter removal along Highway 74.
Staff therefore requests that City Council authorize the Public Works Department to
establish an Adopt -A -Highway Program using the following criteria to guide the
administration of the program:
1. The City of Palm Desert will provide safety equipment (i.e., vests and gloves) as
appropriate.
2. The City of Palm Desert will provide supplies and tools (i.e., plastic trash bags
and trash "grabbers").
3. Volunteers and volunteer groups will commit to a predetermined regular schedule
for debris removal.
4. Filled bags will be left in a designated area for pick-up and disposal by City
personnel.
5. The City of Palm Desert will erect courtesy signs to recognize participants for
their contribution.
6. The volunteer organization will provide safety training for all participants.
7. The Risk Manager will arrange for City -paid insurance and will obtain all
necessary agreements.
Staff Report
Adopt -a -Highway Program
Page 2 of 2
January 8, 2009
Fiscal Impact: Approval of an Adopt -A -Highway Program will allow interested citizens
and groups to provide a service that the City would otherwise have paid for. The
benefits to the environment and to the City image will outweigh the minimal cost of
providing supplies, acknowledgement signs and insurance coverage. Therefore,
approval of this request will result in a positive fiscal impact on the City.
Therefore, staff recommends that City Council, by Minute Motion, authorize the Director
of Public Works to establish and administer an Adopt -A -Highway Program for the
provision of volunteer litter removal along Highway111 and Highway 74 within the city
limits.
Prepared By:
Debra Lee
Management Analyst
Approval:
%'
Homer Croy
ACM for Devel
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ment Services
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McCarthy
City Manag
Department H: ad:
Mark Greg/mood, P.E.
Director of Public Works
Paul Gibson
Finance Director
ITX COUNCI / ACTION:
IT'Pd, " ''T.D />.:�... DENIED «.
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ABSTAIN
VERIFIED BY
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