“I’m actually happy for the way that we’re stewarding our financial resources ... and being methodical and using our experience in having to go through storms and stuff like that before,” Council Member Chris Czernek said at the meeting. “I just think it’s important that from our council we’re taking care of business, and we’re doing it the right way and a fiscally responsible way.”
The agreement allows for emergency brush debris cleanup across Leander after Winter Storm Mara hit in late January and lasted through early February. Under the agreement, TFR will perform storm cleanup services such as brush chipping and hauling with mechanical equipment in neighborhoods throughout the city.
Curbside brush pickup began Feb. 27, and two trucks are making rounds daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Officials are categorizing some of the debris at a level three, which is considered larger and heavier.
The Leander Public Works Department began working together with TFR to help with cleanup efforts March 1. TFR is taking some areas while the public works department is taking others, Chief of Staff Mike Neu said.
“We’re going to try to make one sweep through the whole city,” he said. “That is our goal.”
In the last three days, neighborhoods that have been cleared include Leander Heights, Homestead, Savanna Ranch, Benbrook Ranch North and Maya Vista, according to the city. The public works crew and TFR are still working to clear some other subdivisions, such as Carneros Ranch, Deerbrooke, Oakridge and Old Town.
TFR is taking higher-volume areas, Neu said, which include County Glen, Falcon Oaks and North Creek. The public works crew will take areas classified at level one, which have smaller debris loads.
The contract will end March 31 and could get extended for 30 more days if necessary.
“The pace will pick up as we get further and further into this later in the month,” Neu said.
Residents who may miss the curbside pickups will have one more opportunity, officials said. The city will host one more drop-off event for brush, debris and other related items April 1 at the public works department facility, located at 607 Municipal Drive, Leander. It will take place from 8 a.m. to noon.
Click here for more information on the city’s Residential Spring Cleanup event.
