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City Council gave the streets and parks department permission Thursday to buy a leaf vacuum machine costing about $47,000 through use of a state recycling grant approved in February by council.
The recycling equipment will be purchased by using a $200,000 grant the city was awarded from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The leaf vacuum has interchangeable parts that match the truck the city owns, said Adam Winder, general manager of city public works department.
A 10-percent match for the grant will be made by the streets and parks department employees doing in-kind work, such as putting in the electronic parts for a new gate entrance at the brush pile at 1500 W. Third St.
Council also approved the department purchase of a brush chipper, which pulverizes branches and condenses the space at the brush pile, enabling more efficient operation, Winder said.
The city identified 120-plus trees as hazardous in the city and the machine can help to remove tree parts during storms by grinding up the branches, he said.
The department is waiting on the shipment of electronic parts for the gate at the brush pile. It is believed the coronavirus pandemic has delayed shipment and while waiting the department employees installed the electronic conduit at the gate in preparation for the further installation, Winder said.
Once the gate is installed, the city will announce how individuals may obtain a card that will enable access into the brush pile, he said.
In another matter, council also approved a certificate of appropriateness for a building sign at 25 W. Third St.