By Staff
City crews will begin removing loose leaves that are raked to the back of the curb or edge of the street beginning today, Oct. 20, through Dec. 5, weather permitting.
It is important that the leaves not be placed in the street or on the curb, as they become safety hazards and interfere with storm water drainage.
The city is also asking that residents refrain from parking on city streets during the hours between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. so that the crew with its large equipment can readily get to the leaves. Also, it is important to remember that leaf piles containing brush, limbs, intermingled trash, garbage or litter will not be removed.
Economic development policies review: The first policy coming before City Council pertains to tax abatements for personal property. A new policy being developed will give companies the opportunity to expand the personal property abatement from six to 12 years if standards for dollars invested in equipment, total number of jobs created, number of local jobs created and annual payroll are met. The policy also creates an additional accountability requirement for companies wanting this incentive. Tax abatement programs are critical for bringing jobs provided by companies such as Premier and Ameriwood. Currently, abated properties in the City of Dowagiac contribute about $26,000 and the city tax base provides several million dollars of annual payroll to the community.