This fall residents of Franklin Township can expect lawns with fewer leaves as the Franklin Township trustees authorized the purchase of a $24,500 leaf vacuum, which includes a $500 trade-in for the old machine.
The cost of the new leaf vacuum falls under the budgeted $30,000 that the road department allotted in 2008. In addition to saving the township money, the leaf vacuum also promises to save time and man-power.
“The citizens can expect to benefit from our new leaf vacuum because, being new, it should not breakdown which has caused delays,” said Trustee Tim Guyton. “In addition, our old leaf vacuum tube was controlled by a manual control arm operated by a person standing near the leaf pile while other workers raked leaves to the suction end. The new vacuum tube is operated by a person in a seat at the controls which will allow for the arm to be directed to the pile and also, to a degree, down into a portion of a ditch when necessary.”
The upgraded controls will save time and energy, making pick-up quicker and less costly.
The leaf vacuum is used to clear the properties of single family homes beginning in November and lasting through the first week of December. Township workers start at one end of the area and work to the other, making up to four passes to collect raked leaves.
“The biggest benefit of this service that the residents reap is they do not have to haul their leaves anywhere, do not have to buy leaf bags to dispose of them, and do not have to call to have their leaves picked up,” said Guyton.
Open trustee seat
Franklin Township officials are accepting resumes from individuals seeking to fill the trustee seat being vacated May 31. The individual selected will serve out the balance of the term which runs through Dec. 31, 2009.
Applicants must be at least age 18, a registered voter, and reside in Franklin Township. Resumes must be turned in at 2193 Frank Road , Columbus, OH 43223, by 5 p.m. on May 1. Resumes can be mailed or they can be dropped off during normal business hours on Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; or Friday from 9 a.m. until noon.
Hydrant flushing
The Franklin Township Fire Department will flush hydrants in the township and in Valleyview from April 14 to May 15. Flushing will take place Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents are advised that the water may have a difference appearance during this work. Firefighters like to do the work on weekdays, so residents who do laundry on weekends won’t be inconvenienced by brown water.
