New Equipment Streamlines Frankfort Township Leaf Collection

Frankfort Township Board Meeting | Nov. 17, 2025

Article Summary: Highway Commissioner Bill Carlson reported that a new leaf-vacuum truck has significantly improved efficiency, allowing a single driver to do work that previously required a three-person crew.

Highway Department Key Points:

• Increased Efficiency: The new truck is self-contained and curbside driven, requiring only one operator.

• Staff Reallocation: The equipment upgrade allows two highway department workers to be freed up for other tasks.

• Service Feedback: Clerk Nella Piccolin noted positive resident feedback regarding the department’s service and mulch quality.

Frankfort Township Highway Commissioner Bill Carlson updated the Township Board on Monday, November 17, 2025, regarding the status of seasonal operations, highlighting the efficiency of new equipment.

Carlson reported that the department’s “leaf-vac” operations are currently “going like crazy.” He specifically praised the performance of a new truck, which utilizes a curbside drive system and is self-contained. According to Carlson, the new vehicle requires only one driver to operate.

“It allows one guy to be freed up,” Carlson said, noting that the task previously required three employees. The department is currently running two trucks every day to manage the leaf collection.

Township Clerk Nella Piccolin added that a friend had recently visited Carlson’s office and was “very pleased” with the service. Piccolin mentioned the resident obtained high-quality mulch and complimented the helpfulness of the truck driver.