Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee Meeting – July 9, 2026

The Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee met on July 9, 2026, at 3:33 p.m. to consider two board bills for speed humps and to hear a presentation on volunteer-led litter cleanup efforts. The committee approved minutes from the June 24, 2026 meeting, passed both board bills with do-pass recommendations, and discussed a proposal by Aaron Dehone, founder of Trash Retrees, to expand paid litter pickup in city wards.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the June 24, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (5 ayes).

Board Bills for Review

• Board Bill 13 – Speed Humps in the 14th Ward: Introduced by Alderman Aldridge. A committee substitute was adopted, and an amendment was added to include two additional speed hump locations in the St. Louis Place neighborhood (North 21st Street and Rosh and Bach). The committee noted typographical errors (e.g., "speed bumps" instead of "speed humps") and a duplicate subsection numbering, which the sponsor agreed to correct. The bill was passed with a do-pass recommendation (5 ayes, no opposition).
• Board Bill 58 – Speed Hump on Pennsylvania Avenue: Introduced by Alderwoman Schweitzer for the 401 block of Pennsylvania in the Crownette neighborhood. The bill was passed with a do-pass recommendation (5 ayes, no opposition).

Committee Discussion – Litter Cleanup Proposal

• Presentation by Aaron Dehone, Founder of Trash Retrees: Mr. Dehone presented data on the organization’s volunteer litter cleanup efforts since 2022. Key statistics: over 500,000 pieces of litter collected, 1,700 bags, 850 volunteers, 1,400 volunteer hours, and 300 native trees planted. In the 2025-2026 season, the group worked 480 hours, engaged 214 volunteers, and collected 176,000 pieces of litter (560 bags). He estimated that a dedicated paid crew of three workers (3 hours/week for 50 weeks) in one ward would cost $7,200 and yield 560 bags. He proposed a pilot program using ward capital funds or a $1-per-household optional city beautification fund. He also highlighted partnerships with the Bounce Back Project (employing unhoused individuals) and Anna Garcia Properties (real estate sponsor).
• Committee Responses: Members expressed strong support. Alderman Browning noted the psychological benefits of visible cleanup. Alderwoman Boyd praised the work and noted the value of consistent presence. Alderman Clark Hubbard asked about costs (U-Haul rentals, dump fees) and suggested city partnership opportunities (e.g., using dump trucks). Alderwoman Schweitzer thanked Mr. Dehone and offered to host the program in her ward. Alderman Cox Antwee (presumably) also commended the presentation and offered support. Alderman Clark Hubbard and others noted the added value of employing unhoused individuals. Mr. Dehone confirmed that the $7,200 figure is a baseline, actual costs may be higher, and that city resources could reduce logistical expenses. He also mentioned a pop quiz (95% of Americans think litter is a problem) and gave a prize to the chair.

Key Outcomes

• Board Bill 13 (committee substitute as amended) and Board Bill 58 were passed out of committee with do-pass recommendations.
• No formal action was taken on the litter cleanup proposal, but committee members expressed interest and offered to support future pilot efforts or grant applications.
• The committee adjourned after announcements about an East-West Gateway event.