Washington maintenance employees have been working to clear the fall foliage off the streets with their leaf vacuum pickup.

City Maintenance and Construction Superintendent JJ Bell says the leaf vac pickup has overall gone well with great strides made in the southeast portion of town last week. Though with recent unpleasant weather he anticipates the staff falling behind this week. Staff began the pickup on October 18th in the northwest quadrant of town, moving in a counterclockwise direction with hopeful completion by Thanksgiving. Bell encourages residents to continue to rake any leftover leaves in their yard terrace area for this free service. He asks that you don’t place them in the street as this can cause drainage and traffic hazards. Leaves and tree trimmings can also be dropped off at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Yard Waste Center which is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m., and this Saturday from 7-10 a.m. The center will also be open until 7 p.m. this Wednesday. Questions and comments may be directed to the Maintenance and Construction Department at 319-653-2947.