ROCKLAND, Maine — Vacancies in the public services department and a tough winter have delayed community spring cleanup efforts, according to the city manager.
“We are egregiously behind schedule. This is due to the five vacancies in positions and the large amount of work required after a tough winter,” City Manager James Chaousis said in a memo to the City Council. “It is unavoidable and we plead for forgiveness from people patiently waiting for the crew to come.”
The cleanup, which began May 4, generally lasts a few weeks, with city crews collecting residential yard waste from the winter that has been gathered by homeowners and left by the roadside.
The manager said the city needs to consider whether this program is a good use of time and resources.
“I initiated it this year due to historical considerations and not effectiveness,” he said.