Mayor Ardis' - State of City Address on 1-31-07
At this event last year I challenged the community to help address the litter situation in Peoria. I believed, as many of you did, that litter was out of control and unacceptable. I challenged someone to come forward, and that someone was heaven-sent. Steve Pierz accepted the position. Call him the Garbage Czar or whatever you want, I'm gonna call him priceless. His energy, enthusiasm, leadership and vision (there's that word again) have made remarkable progress in our battle against litter. In one short year the Mayor's Litter Committee, headed by the 6 Sigma Blackbelt from Caterpillar, Steve Pierz and his group have developed a long term strategic plan to address litter, both proactively and reactively.
They have sponsored cleanups on the East Bluff, Western Avenue and War Memorial Drive. At the West Bluff cleanup, they initiated what is going to be their new "standard for 2007", that being 200+ people participating in each Cleanup event. In addition, there have been 26 neighborhood clean ups! Steve's team has redistributed 100 trash receptacles in the neighborhoods and Branded Peoria's litter cleanup logo as you can see. Hundreds of city blocks have been adopted and are cleaned at least every two weeks. Momentum is building and they can use your help, or that of your church, PTO, scouts, or any other organization. They're looking for funding sponsors too (hint, hint). The Mayor's Litter Committee plans to have at least one major cleanup event in each district. Mark your calendars for the 3rd Saturday of the month beginning on April 21st from 9 to 11am. You can contact us at the Mayor's office if you'd like more information. Controlling litter is critical to creating and sustaining a desirable community, and putting this standard and these processes in place now is important so we can keep up with it as the city grows.