Dear Don Cassano (ADOT),
Kyle Seisinger (ADOT) and the subcontractor cutting the brush back from the guardrails on Highway 260 are making great progress and their efforts will make our Folksville USA August 18, 2012 litter recovery event safer and more effective … thank you very much!
If the subcontractor finishes the pruning of the brush in the same manner they started, it clearly demonstrates a very responsible and conscientious effort and work ethic on their part.
I found two safety issues that exist between MP-213 and 214 that I would like to bring to your attention – both relate to the drainage pipe covers located near the guardrail:
- One opening is missing a cover
- The cover for the other opening is unsecured.
I have placed orange ribbon at both locations and they are on the same section of guardrail.
Thank you, Kyle Seisinger ADOT Environmental Services, for making our highways a lot safer.
Gary Chamberlain
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I am in need of bags. I have been picking up trash on both FVUSA sections (Hwy 260 & 89A), Highlands Resort (Highway 260), Sedona Pines Resort & LLC (Hwy 89A), and several other sections that I have been granted permission to clean on both Hwy 89A & Hwy 260 in an effort to supplement the efforts of all ADOT Adopt-A-Highway groups in our area.
FVUSA is now linking 50 groups in our area so we can promote 50 groups, 50 miles and 50 states ….. How about that as a goal?!
I have picked up over 450 bags of trash since December of 2011 by myself in an effort to keep these two highways in tip-top condition. As you know there will be another “Leap Frog” event on August 18 and I have no idea how many folks will be on these highways, but as always, I give ADOT bags to any of the groups who need them.
If I am unable to secure ADOT bags for both highways by Wednesday, August 15th, I will purchase the bags or ask Home Depot to donate bags so we will be well supplied and prepared for a fantastic litter event.
The bags of trash within the FVUSA Highway 89A section have yet to be picked up by ADOT and they have been there for 2-3 weeks ….. I don’t mind that… they’re there since education and awareness are at work.
The brush cutting on Highways 260 deserved thanks. If you cannot make the August 18 event but want to help, email me at folksvilleusa@gmail.com and donate any amount to help lift litter!
Being ADOT isn’t easy.
Over the past three years, one of the many things I’ve learned is that ADOT highway workers don’t get enough praise for the things they do well and suffer the consequences of the few apples that spoil the barrel for things not done very well.
I have been very critical about some of the crippling ADOT Adopt-A-Highway policies and with ADOT employees who can’t see how counter-productive some of the ADOT Adopt-A-Highway policies are – to the taxpayer funded program. Policy changes could make a big difference in performance.
After spending thousands of hours on the highway picking up trash, I have noticed many poor work habits of either ADOT workers or ADOT subcontractors and have taken it upon myself to present these issues complete with photographs to Governor Brewer and ADOT Director John Halikowski in an effort to improve the cost-benefit of taxpayer dollars relating to ADOT related highway maintenance issues and the ADOT Adopt-A-Highway program.
I hope to have the opportunity to meet with Director John Halikowski and discuss how we can all work as a team and promote the partnering that ADOT seems to promote to achieve common goals.
Recent developments seem to indicate that we are all realizing the benefit of working together and that some changes in policies will make a difference.
Input from SedonaEYE.com readers is welcome and encouraged.
Gary Chamberlain
“Point Man” FVUSA
Hello readers and Mr Gary Chamberlain , Gary , as per usual you’re making great points that seem to simply apply good common sense and logic ! Partnering , wow what a concept , when was partnering first invented and by whom ? As for partnering and why it would be great and should be encouraged far more ( let’s mention the savongs to American taxpayers..I’m willing to place a wager that the average American citizen has not one clue as to how costly street and highway litter are to USA taxpayers and businesses ( for the record ) — the national combined litter clean up costs in money terms is estimated to be a whopping 12 billion dollars each and every year ( enough money to build and equip a few national world class hospitals each year ! )
I have noted on a few occasions that some readers feel some sort of neccessity to knock the efforts of Mr Chamberlain for caring enough to promote cleaner highways anfd point out a flawed ADOT system….how it is that anyone can knock a man ( Gary Chamberlain ) for being patriotic and caring enough to pick up others littered trash reguarly and ongoing is beyond lame ?!
Gary, keep up the great work , many smart caring folks are slowly getting your messages and are indeed acting upon your many helpful suggestions / advise! Cheers , Sincerely , Canada Litter King
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EavKtgutY9Y Watch this Local Point – Rachyl Hardman- Vernal Utah Cleaning Project; high school senior, Rachyl Hardman, is inspired by Gary Chamberlain and the Folksville USA movement so Rachyl is “taking up the litter bag” to raise money for an upcoming school trip to London. Watch this local Utah television interview!
Join the Arizona Verde Valley Folksville litter clean up event on August 18.