Leaves cause some problems during rainstorms
By ASHLEY RHODEBECK arhodebeck@kcchronicle.com
ST. CHARLES — This week's persistent rain has not only pasted leaves to the streets and sidewalks on which they've fallen, but heavier downpours have also carried the foliage to storm sewer drains, which has created cases of standing water across town.
Dan Rowe, public service division manager, said he could not isolate the incidents to a specific location or to main or side streets.
Flooding was possible, he said, "anywhere there's a tree."
City crews responded to calls of clogged drains Friday, he said. None of the incidents caused damage, and no roadways were closed.
"We had no real serious flooding," Rowe said.
Each of the Tri-Cities has begun its annual leaf collection services.
In Batavia, city crews have completed initial leaf pick-ups on select streets between the Fox River and Kirk Road, according to a map dated Oct. 29 and provided by the city.
Kramer Trees Specialists Inc. began collecting leaves for St. Charles on Monday. The company remained on schedule Friday despite the rain, Rowe said.
Officials said residents have cooperated in raking their leaves for collection and also in helping unclog storm drains. Rowe said it can take as few as five minutes with a rake to solve the problem and encourages residents to keep watch on the drains near their homes.
"We do appreciate the residents' cooperation and assistance in the matter," Rowe said. "It always helps when the community pitches in."
For non-emergency situations, Rowe said, city crews will remove leaves during their normal weekday work hours.
Wind and street sweepers should clear the streets of leaves once the pavement dries, he said.
Leaf pick-up schedule
St. Charles
• East of Fox River south of Main Street — Nov. 2, Nov. 11, Nov. 20. Does not include Cumberland Green.
• East of Fox River north of Main Street — Nov. 4, Nov. 13, Nov. 24. Does not include Whittington Course, Royal Fox private streets, Dunham Place Commons, Delnor Townhomes, Delnor Glen Drive.
• West of Fox River south of Main Street — Nov. 6, Nov. 17, Nov. 30. Does not include Viewpointe and Willowgate.
• West of Fox River north of Main Street — Nov. 10, Nov. 19, Dec. 2. Does not include Wildrose Townhomes, Auburn Court, Benham Court, Oak Crest.
Leaves must be on the parkway by 6:30 a.m. Piling leaves in the street violates the city code and could result in a $500 fine.
Go to www.stcharlesil.gov/services/leaf for more information.
Geneva
• East of Fox River — Nov. 9
• West of Fox River, north of Route 38 or north of Kaneville Road and north of Keslinger Road — Nov. 16
• West of Fox River, south of Route 38 or south of Kaneville Road and south of Keslinger Road — Nov. 2 and Nov. 23
Leaves must be on the parkway by 7 a.m.
www.geneva.il.us/Departments/PublicWorks/leafpickup.htm
Batavia
• West side — Nov. 2 and Nov. 16
• East side — Nov. 9 and Nov. 23
Leaves must be on the parkway by 6 a.m.
Go to www.cityofbatavia.net for more information.
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