By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
The City of Otsego Public Works Department has announced the dates for its annual fall leaf pick-up.
Pick-up is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 31, and run through Friday, Nov. 18. Leaves will be picked up twice at each location during that three-week period: the first round is slated for Oct. 31 through Nov. 4, with the second round set to take place between Nov. 14 and Nov. 18.
Residents are reminded that leaves should not be placed in the streets prior to Sunday, Oct. 30.
While no specific dates are available for canvassing the streets, pick-up is scheduled to begin in Eley Acres before moving to the northwest of the city. Residents are asked to plan accordingly.
Residents of Allegan Street (M-89) are asked to continue to place leaves in the curb lawn as opposed to in the street. Leaves should be placed away from trees and poles in order to provide easier access.
Collection dates will be Friday, Nov. 4, and Friday, Nov. 18, for Allegan Street and Farmer Street.
With the exception of Allegan and Farmer streets, all leaves should be raked into the street next to the curb. If the leaves are not in the street, they will not be picked up.
Residents are asked not to place anything except leaves in the street. The city places the leaves on a compost pile and, therefore, branches, twigs and other yard waste must not be included.
Loose leaves will no longer be picked up after a street has been picked up twice and the street sweeper has passed. For safety purposes, residents are reminded that they should not rake leaves into the street after the second pick-up.
It you miss the two pick-up dates, leaves may be taken to the city’s transfer station located off Helen Avenue. Brush and other yard waste can also be taken to the transfer station. There is no cost.
The transfer station is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Additional announcements will be posted on the city’s website and on its Facebook page.
For more information, contact Otsego City Hall at (269) 692-3391.