Section 22-118 Adopt-a-spot programs.

(a) To the extent that staff and resources are available to properly support and monitor volunteer cleanup efforts, the public works department shall establish and coordinate volunteer efforts to clean up streets, right of ways, city property, or property used for city purposes. Such programs or efforts shall not be intended to replace normal maintenance responsibilities of the city, but rather to provide additional resources in areas of public use and visibility.

(b) The public works department shall determine the suitability of any street right of way, public area or property used for city purposes to be adopted, taking into consideration the character of the area, traffic volumes, general safety concerns and long-term maintenance responsibilities. If areas proposed to be adopted are not on properties controlled by the department of public works, the department shall serve as a coordinator with the appropriate city department and no work shall be performed until approval is received by the department of public works from the proper city department. In exercising discretion, the director may consider the following:

(1) Arterial and commercial collector streets. Arterial and those collector streets that serve a predominantly commercial area or along which the abutting property is unplatted and undeveloped may be adopted by adjacent property owners, individuals, or organizations and clubs. First preference shall be given to adjacent property owners. Adoption of these streets shall not be allowed for groups with participating children under twelve years of age.

(2) Residential collector and local residential streets. Neighborhood residential and collector streets that are obviously residential in character may be adopted only by adjacent property owners in either the form of a recognized homeowners association, church congregation or church or school sponsored social or scout groups, or by petition of more than one-half of the abutting property owners.

(3) Public areas. Property that is owned or controlled by the city, or where city operations are conducted, may be adopted. Areas in this category include recycling drop-off points, yard waste drop-off sites, linear parks and railroad right of ways.