OAK HILL NEWS
Replacement of water lines
on
Old Hickory Blvd. begins Feb. 15
Metro Water Services will begin replacing water lines along Old Hickory Blvd. beginning February 15.
The project will affect the north side of Old Hickory Blvd. between Franklin Pike and Granny White Pike. It is scheduled to last 90 days.
“We just found out about this project today,” said City Manager Kevin Helms. “We have requested but not yet received a copy of the construction drawings. Once these are in our possession, residents may visit the City offices to view the plans,” he said.
City issues new guidelines for leaf collection
In an effort to be more efficient and environmentally friendly, the City of Oak Hill has instituted policy changes regarding leaf collection, giving residents two options in how they put their leaves out for collection by our service provider.
The changes are effective immediately.
1. Small, loose material must be bagged in biodegradable bags.
2. Leaves should be raked in piles to the side of the road or bagged in biodegradable bags.
3. Leaves should not be placed in ditches, other drainage structures, or in the road.
4. Bags should not exceed 50 pounds.
5. Do not put dirt, rocks, or trash in leaf bags or within piles of leaves.
6. Commercial companies are responsible for removing material which they generate and the city will not collect their material without assessing a fee.
Three primary benefits led the City to adopt this policy, which is used by several other cities, including Franklin and Murfreesboro. It allows for more efficient collection of leaves. It makes available a truck that can also be used to maintain our drainage ditches, as well as other drainage structures. Without this dual purpose, the cost of the equipment would be prohibitive solely to maintain drainage infrastructure. The final benefit is also the one that will likely have the largest impact: By instituting these new rules, Oak Hill can keep our leaves out of the landfill, instead sending them to a composting farm in a move that is much more environmentally friendly.
Rake leaves to roadside
Click to enlargeResidents may now choose to rake their leaves to the side of the road to be collected by a vacuum truck. Simply rake your leaves into piles near the side of the road, and the truck will collect them. The piles of leaves should be placed in or very near the right-of-way, which usually extends about 10 to 12 feet beyond the edge of the pavement. It is important that you not place the leaves in the ditch, on top of open drainage structures, or in the roadway. If a ditch is adjacent to the roadway, place the leaves behind the ditch and we will still be able to collect them.
For residents who would prefer to bag their leaves, this is still an option. However, you must now use biodegradable bags for the leaf-bagging process. Unlike plastic bags, these bags can be taken to the composting farm and keep bagged leaves out of the landfill. Biodegradable bags are available at most locations that sell lawn products.
The City encourages residents to time the placement of their leaves and other yard waste with their service delivery. Piles of material left near the road for long periods of time are unsightly, tend to get strewn throughout the neighborhood, kill the grass, and can become a health hazard.
Commissioners choose engineering firm
Kimley-Horn and Associates has been selected by the Board of Commissioners to provide professional engineering services for the City.
The company will act as an independent advisor and consultant to the City, conducting studies and investigations and providing information and advice in four areas.
l Engineering plans and plat review. Kimley-Horn will review civil engineering design drawings submitted to the City for Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals approval.
l Traffic and transportation planning and design services. KHA will provide review of proposed developments for traffic impact, preparing impact studies and reviewing submitted studies. The firm also will develop transportation-related improvement recommendations.
l Stormwater and drainage review and analysis. At the request of the City, KHA will review drainage problems throughout Oak Hill, conducting site visits, reviewing conditions, and suggesting solutions.
l Miscellaneous engineering review, design, and drafting services. Kimley-Horn will furnish general engineering services requested by the City, including review and editing of Oak Hill’s design standards, specifications, and zoning regulations.
The contract is for three years with an option of a two-year extension.
Kimley-Horn is one of the nation’s most comprehensive engineering and land planning firms, with more than 60 offices in over a dozen states.
City plants 80 trees after TVA clearcuts
Oak Hill has planted 80 trees after TVA clearcut its right-of-way behind homes on Redwood Drive.
Jackaroo, the City’s chipper service contractor, planted and mulched 80 1.5- to 2-caliper crape myrtle, moonglow juniper, holly, and red maple trees.
The planting to control drainage and provide screening was made possible with an $8,000 matching grant with TVA and the City.
Oak Hill has planted 80 trees after TVA clearcut its right-of-way behind homes on Redwood Drive.
At right, Matt Weir of Jackaroo and City Manager Kevin Helms examine one of the trees planted behind Redwood Drive.
