Chico ‘clean team’ hits the streets

CHICO >> A new trio of maintenance workers have been dubbed Chico’s “Community Clean Team” to keep trash and debris out of city limits.

In February, Chico staff implemented the new Community Clean Team, recommended by City Manager Mark Orme and approved by the Chico City Council. The Clean Team consists of two maintenance workers who are led by a senior maintenance worker, according to a press release from the city.

The Community Clean Team assists with volunteer event support, graffiti removal, shopping cart retrieval, infrastructure repair, landscape efforts and vegetation management.

“I’m truly amazed by the Clean Team’s effectiveness and the impact they’ve already made towards keeping Chico clean and beautiful,” Erik Gustafson, the city’s Public Works Department — Parks and Operations & Maintenance Division director said in the release.

According to the release, the Public Works Department has cleaned up large amounts of debris from city parks and waterways in the past six weeks. February totals were 213 cubic yards and March’s totals are currently at 170.5 cubic yards. The debris taken directly to the landfill for February and March currently totals 56 tons.

The Community Clean Team collected 80 cubic yards — or over 16,000 gallons — of debris from the city’s parks and greenways in one five- day stretch.

The public may report needed debris removal in any park, greenway, or city right- of-way to rightofwaymaintenance@chicoca. or by calling 8944200.