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    Public Works

    The Live Oak Public Works provides the following services: Street Maintenance, Park Maintenance, Waste Water, and a Municipal Swimming Pool.

    The City of Live Oak has partnered with WM to provide trash collection service twice weekly, recycle service collection once every two weeks, and curbside bulk waste and tied brush bundle collection once per month. WM is also providing unlimited concierge collection of household hazardous waste (HHW) through its At Your Door Special CollectionSM service for all Live Oak residential customer.


    COLLECTION SCHEDULE

    Trash collection is twice a week. Recycle collection is once every two weeks. Bulk and tied brush-bundle collection occur curbside the first Monday of each month.


    CARTS

    WM will deliver two NEW 96-gallon carts to each residence in July 2022.

    • 1 - 96-gallon green cart for items considered trash
    • 1 - 96-gallon cart with a yellow lid for recyclable items

    Residents must use their new WM 96-gallon carts after receiving them. After receipt of the WM 96-gallon carts, no resident-owned or store-bought container will be used in servicing either trash or recycle material.


    GENERAL COLLECTION GUIDELINES

    Please follow the guidelines below to ensure trash or recyclable material collection. *Note: Collections may not occur at the same time of day each week.

    • To ensure collection, trash or recyclable carts must be at the point of collection no later than 7:00 AM on the scheduled collection day. Place cart with wheels against the curb and handles facing the home.
    • Do not include paint, motor oil, or other hazardous items.
    • Do not obstruct the collection of trash or recyclable material by parking vehicles in the vicinity.
    • Keep a 3 foot space between trash or recyclable material and other objects. With automated collection, all trash and recycling must be contained within the trash cart with the lid closed. WM will not collect items outside the carts.

    OBSERVED HOLIDAYS

    Waste Management observes the following holidays, collection will not occur:

    • New Year’s Day
    • Independence Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Labor Day
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas

    BULK & BRUSH ITEMS

    Curbside bulk waste and tied brush bundle collection occurs the first Monday of each month and is limited to six (6) cubic yards in total size. No construction or landscape maintenance debris may be placed at the curb for collection if generated by a third-party contractor, i.e. landscaper, treetrimmer, etc. It is the third-party contractor’s responsibility to haul off this material.

    Brush Requirements

    • Branches and tree trimmings must be no greater than six inches (6”) in diameter and be cut, tied, and bundled in four foot (4’) lengths weighing no more than forty to fifty pounds (40-50 lbs.).
    • Leaves and lawn clippings are allowable if bagged and remain within the total monthly limit of six (6) cubic yards.

    Bulk Waste

    • Appliances with Freon® removed
    • Carpet (cut into 4 foot bundles)
    • Furniture and mattresses
    • Sinks, toilets, and drained/ empty water heaters

    NOT Bulk Waste

    • Appliances containing Freon®
    • Batteries and paint
    • Concrete, brick, asphalt, and roofing
    • Construction debris from a contractor
    • Gasoline, oil, and filters
    • Tires, vehicles, and parts

    EXTRA BAGS OF TRASH

    Residents who have extra bags of trash must place a pink tag on each bag. Pink tags are available to purchase at City Hall for a nominal fee.


    QUESTIONS? MISSED COLLECTION?

    Contact our Customer Service Department Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Phone: 800-800-5804; Email: cssatex@wm.com; Online Chat: wm.com.


    RECYCLING PROGRAM

    Live Oak Recycling Program and Calendar


    AT YOUR DOOR SPECIAL COLLECTIONSM SERVICE

    Waste Management’s At Your Door Special CollectionSM provides residents with front-porch service to collect the difficult, sometimes hazardous, and hard-to-recycle items that almost every household accumulates. Waste Management will collect the pesticides, household chemicals, sharps, electronic waste, batteries, bulbs, automotive waste products (including oil), paints, thinners, and dozens of other items that don’t belong with your recyclables or regular curbside waste pickup.

    Materials Accepted with Waste Management At Your DoorSM:

    • Automotive Products
      Antifreeze, batteries, brake fluid, motor oil and filters, fuels and more
    • Garden Chemicals
      Fertilizers, insect sprays, herbicides, pesticides and weed killers
    • Paint Products
      Caulk, glue, paint, spray paints, stains, strippers, thinners and wood preservatives
    • Household Chemicals
      Ammonia, heavy-duty cleansers, shower/tile cleaners, drain cleaners and rust removers
    • Electronics
      Music players, TVs, DVD/CD players, VCRs, cell phones, microwaves, computers and monitors
    • Household Items
      Batteries, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), thermometers, thermostats, fluorescent tubes and more

    MATERIAL THAT WILL NOT BE COLLECTED: Ammunition, medicine, explosives, asbestos, leaking containers, commercial chemicals, or hazardous materials in containers larger than five gallons.

    To schedule a pickup with At Your Door Special CollectionSM or for information:
    Please contact Waste Management at 800-449-7587, e-mail atyourdoor@wm.com, or visit www.wmatyourdoor.com.


    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    • Why is Waste Management replacing the 2-man rear loading trash trucks with a 1-man driver operated automated collection truck?
      • The primary reason is employee safety. Severe injury and fatalities have occurred from workers being exposed to motor vehicle traffic, the hydraulic compactor at the rear of the truck, and physically handling bags of trash. The employee operating the automated side loading truck remains in the truck during entire trash collection process.
    • When will Live Oak residents receive the 96-gallon wheeled trash and recycle carts?
      • Current supply chain challenges have placed the delivery time for the new wheeled carts at 5 to 6 months. Therefore, the new carts should arrive by July of this year.
    • Can I get a smaller cart or use my own trash can?
      • Unfortunately, only one size (96-gallon) is available for all residents. The automated system is only able to load the Waste Management cart. Residents will not be able to use their own cans.
    • If I choose not to recycle, then can I opt out of the 96-gallon recycling cart?
      • All residents will receive a wheeled recycle cart. Any resident that chooses not to recycle may have the recycle cart returned or picked up. The monthly fee will remain the same even if residents turn in the recycle cart.
    • What about residents with serious physical challenges that prevent them from handling the 96-gallon wheeled trash cart?
      • A “Door-to-Truck Service” is available on a case-by-case basis for those residents who have demonstrated a need or hardship necessitating this special service. The WM truck operator will roll the trash cart to the truck for service and return it to the side of the resident’s home.
    • Will I be charged an additional fee on my bill for the wheeled trash and recycle carts?
      • There is no additional fee or special charge for the carts. All residents in Live Oak will pay the same monthly charge of $25.31 and the cost of the carts is factored into the new rate.
    • Will residents be violating any city laws by placing their trash carts on the side of their house or in front of their garage?
      • The city does not prohibit trash carts from being placed on the side or in front of a home. However, if you live in subdivision with a Home Owners Association (HOA), then you may want to review the rules and regulations of the HOA.

    Water Conservation

    Water Conservation

    The City of Live Oak is in Stage 2 Watering Restrictions

    Stage 2 begin when the 10-day rolling average of the Edwards Aquifer level drops to 650 feet mean sea level at the monitored well.

    • All restrictions from Stage 1 remain in effect, unless added to or replaced by Stage 2 rules.
    • Landscape watering with an irrigation system,sprinkler or soaker hose is allowed only once a week from 7-11 a.m. and 7-11 p.m.on your designated watering day, as determined by your address.
    • Watering with drip irrigation or a 5-gallon bucket is permitted any day but only between 7-11 a.m. and 7-11p.m.
    • All residential fountains and indoor commercial fountains can operate at any stage of drought. Outdoor commercial fountains must have a Live Oak variance in order to operate during drought stages 1 through 4.
    • Watering with a hand-held hose is allowed any time on any day.
    • All non-public swimming pools must have a minimum of 25 percent of the surface area covered with evaporation screens when not in use. Inflatable pool toys or floating decorations may be used for this purpose.
    • Washing impervious cover such as parking lots, driveways, streets or sidewalks is prohibited. Healthand safety exceptions to this rule may be requested from the City of Live Oak in writing.
    • Residential car washing is allowed during drought once per week on Saturday or Sunday as long as there is no water waste.
    • The use of commercial car wash facilities is allowed any day.
    • Hotels, motels and other lodging must offer and clearly notify guests of a "linen/towel change on request only" program.
    • And don't forget to follow these year-round rules:
    • Water waste is prohibited at all times. Allowing water to run off into a gutter, ditch, or drain or failing to repair a controllable leak is considered water waste.
    • Restaurants may serve water only on request (to reduce dishwashing).
    • Charity car washes are allowed only at commercial car wash facilities.
    • *Watering Day is determined by the Last Digit of Address: 0 or 1 = Mondays; 2 or 3 = Tuesdays; 4 or 5 = Wednesdays; 6 or 7 = Thursdays; and 8 or 9 = Fridays (No watering on weekends.)

    Water Restrictions Stage 1, 2, 3 & 4

    Please continue to conserve wisely!

    Track your water usage with My Water Advisor

    How to join My Water Advisor 2

    1. Go to www.mywateradvisor2.com
    2. Click on “Join my water advisor”
    3. Click on “Sign up with account number”
    4. Enter your account number with the dashes. ex. 00-0000-00
    5. Enter your last name, add comma and then first name. (ex. Smith, john)
    6. You should now be in a new screen that asks for your email and a password that you will use to log in every time.

    Cómo unirse a My Water Advisor 2

    1. Ir a www.mywateradvisor2.com
    2. Haga clic en "Unirse a mi asesor de agua"
    3. Haga clic en "Registrarse con el número de cuenta"
    4. Introduzca su número de cuenta con los guiones. ex 00-0000-00
    5. Introduzca su apellido, agregue la coma y luego el nombre. (ex. Smith, John)
    6. Ahora debería estar en una nueva pantalla que le pida su correo electrónico y una contraseña que utilizará para iniciar sesión cada vez.

    Street Light Outages

    Please email Cathi Piotrowski, cpiotrowski@liveoaktx.net (210-653-9140, ext. 2234) to report a STREET LIGHT OUTAGE.

    Free Toilet Program

    Apply for your free toilet today! Are you a single family residential customer living in the City of Live Oak? Are you on the Live Oak Water System, not SAWS (San Antonio Water System)? Was your home built prior to 1992? If the answer is YES to the above questions and you are not replacing an existing water saver toilet (1.6 gallon or lower), you are a candidate for a free water saver toilet. Click here for the downloadable application. Click here the Landlord Consent Form (This form is to be filled out by the Landlord). For more information on the Free Toilet Program, please call Cathi Piotrowski at Public Works 210-653-9140, ext. 2234.

    Helpful Information

    Click this link to view the 2022 Storm Water Questionnaire (Due 7/31/2022) for the City of Live Oak.
    Click this link to view the Residential (Indoor) Water Survey & Landscape and Irrigation Water Use Survey for the City of Live Oak.
    Click this link to view the 2021 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report.
    For information on Mosquito and West Nile Virus Prevention, Click Here.

    Waste Management Services Brochure

      Street Maintenance

      Street Maintenance

      • Provide street sweeping services
      • Maintain traffic control devices ranging from stop signs to traffic signals
      • Perform preventive pavement maintenance such as crack sealing
      • Pavement rehabilitation

        Storm Water

        Storm Water Management Plan

        Download PDF

        Stormwater Pollution: Effect of Sediment on Stormwater Quality

        Sediment is #1 Pollutant

        Erosion is the process by which water flow and wind remove soil, rock, or other material. When wind and water flows diminish, eroded materials become deposited on the ground. The material deposited is called sediment.

        One of the biggest manmade sediment releases comes from construction activities. Even relatively minor home-building projects can discharge large amounts of sediment if not properly controlled. The EPA has determined that sediment is a major pollutant.

        Sediment can clog storm drains and catch basins and can thereby cause flooding. When runoff carries sediment into local water bodies such as rivers, streams and lakes, it can have a negative effect on water quality, aquatic habitats and human health.

        We can keep our waters clean by establishing plants, placing sod, and spreading mulch to help prevent erosion and sedimentation. It is important for stockpiles to be covered and protected from rain and wind. Sediment discharges can also be prevented by installing barriers around the perimeter of the stockpile.

          Storm Water Questionnaire

          Storm Water Questionnaire

          In order to comply with the Clean Water Act of 1972 (as subsequently amended) and the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) General Permit Number TXR040000, the City of Live Oak maintains a Storm Water Management Plan to help improve and protect the quality of surface, ground and storm water by reducing pollution levels in it. This is important because storm water runoff supplies drinking water sources.

          To help the city achieve their goals in reducing storm water pollution, please fill out the questionnaire below. Your feedback is important to us.


          Paul Wernli, Public Works Superintendent
          City of Live Oak 8001 Shin Oak Drive.
          Live Oak, TX 78233

            Water/Waste Water

            Live Oak's Water/Waste Water Management.

            1. Provide safe drinking water resources to the residents and businesses in Live Oak
            2. Maintaining and servicing all water mains, services, meters, tanks, chlorine injection systems, and pumps on the water system. The water system serves approximately 2/3 of the population of Live Oak, the majority of the other 1/3 are served by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS).
            3. Maintain, inspect, and routinely clean the sanitary sewer mains and man holes
            4. Read meters
            5. Promote water conservation through public education
            6. Comply with state and federal requirements for water and waste water systems
            7. Maintain fire hydrants for fire protection
            8. Maintain four water well pumping and storage sites
            9. Monitor a critical water use management plan to regulate the use of water during drought periods

            2021 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report

            Recovery

            The last phase of emergency preparedness and probably the most difficult is recovery. The hardest part is usually the time factor as recovery efforts may take days, weeks, or months. Sometimes it may even take years and in some cases communities never fully recover from the affects of a major disaster. Lives were lost and afterwards homes are not rebuilt and some businesses never reopen. This causes an economic effect that may last for years. Businesses brought in tax dollars and in many cases provided jobs to the community. Local governments now have to do with less and rebuilding can be difficult.

            As noted recovery is the last phase of an emergency preparedness plan but it probably is the most important. Generally speaking recovery is divided into two (2) phases. These are known as Short Term and Long Term!

            Short Term Recovery Operations:

            Short term recovery operations generally include restoring essential services such as utilities, clearing the streets of debris, and getting the local government back in operation so they can provide for the basic needs of their citizens. Short term recovery can last anywhere from a few days to more then a month, depending on the extent of the damage. In some cases in order to restore electricity the entire system has to be replaced. In Live Oak we are somewhat fortunate in that much of our electrical grid is underground and won’t be destroyed by high winds, a tornado, or ice buildup on the lines. It should also be noted that debris clearance from the streets does not mean complete cleanup.

            Long Term Recovery Operations:

            Long term recovery operations generally mean the rebuilding of a community following a disaster. This is a long term operation that can last for months or even years. Usually the most important issue is the complete clean-up within the disaster area and the removal of all debris from both public and private property. This program alone can take time and it is very costly!

            In many cases the amount of debris following a disaster such as a tornado touchdown will be overwhelming. The debris may include the following:

            • Construction Materials (wood, brick, steel, shingles, etc.)
            • White Goods (stoves, refrigerators, washers and dryers)
            • Woody Debris (trees and brush) and Furniture
            • Automobiles, boats, trailers, etc.
            • Household Hazardous Waste (cleaning products, pesticides, paint, etc)
            • General Material/Items such as clothes, dishes, etc.

            The debris within a disaster area must be thoroughly searched for possible victims that were unaccounted for following the incident. Hazardous materials sometimes are found during these searches and sadly the disaster sites sometimes must be classified as bio-hazard areas if bodies are located. This can further complicate the debris removal operations. In addition fire is always a danger and working in debris fields can be dangerous.

            In the event of a major disaster like a tornado touchdown, the City of Live Oak will not have sufficient personnel to handle debris clean-up, and generally speaking most cities are not prepared to handle this task as special equipment will be needed. There are several companies located around the country who specialize in this task and are contracted to handle debris clean-up.

            Included in the City’s emergency management plans for the Public Works Department there is a debris management plan that outlines a basic clean-up plan for the City. It begins with the clearance of city streets on a priority basis and then goes into the clean-up of both public and private property.

            One of the most important parts of a “Family Disaster Plan” is being able to care for your family for up to 72 hours, assuming no one has been injured and your home is still intact. The reason for this is in the event of a major emergency or an actual disaster like a tornado touchdown, emergency services personnel will be extremely busy and will not be able to provide much assistance to you. In addition all utilities may be off and if debris block the streets you may not be able to travel. Therefore, it is recommended that families be able to care for themselves for up to 72 hours.

            Actions Following a Disaster:

            In the event of a disaster such as a tornado touchdown, and your home or business is damaged, there are some very important steps to take. They include:

            • Make sure everyone is accounted for and that everyone is OK.
            • Carefully exit the structure and be aware of the potential of falling debris.
            • Be cautious of fire due to gas leaks and of live electrical wires.
            • Move away from a damaged structure, especially if is more than one story.
            • Once outside, survey the area carefully for additional dangers like downed electrical lines and gas leaks from neighboring structures.
            • Do not smoke or allow anyone nearby to do so.
            • If possible turn off all the outside breakers and the gas at the meter.
            • If your home or place of business is severely damaged stay away from the structure and do not let anyone re-enter the building.
            • Check on your neighbors and make sure they are safe.
            • Call for assistance only if people are injured or if there are downed electrical lines, broken gas lines, or if a structure is on fire.
            • Unless you have an actual emergency and you need assistance, please DO NOT call 9-1-1. Dispatchers and 9-1-1 call takers will be overwhelmed following a disaster and those people with an actual emergency may not be able to get through. In addition, telephone lines may be down and cellular service may become overloaded as well.

            If severe weather continues to threaten the area, seek shelter in undamaged structures if possible. If assistance is needed, and you are unable to call for help, send personnel who are able to move about to get help. Emergency personnel will be converging on the scene and will seek out survivors and the injured.

            In the aftermath of a disaster government actions will initially concentrate on rescue operations, firefighting, and search and recovery. At this point further recovery operations must be planned and the disaster area must be carefully surveyed. An initial damage assessment will be performed and this will start the process moving forward recovery. Sadly this can be a slow process!

            Many people believe that the Federal Government will be there the next day if not sooner and will be providing all of the help necessary. In reality, local, county, state, and federal officials will be responding to assist, however the process takes time. The extent of the damage and the needs of the community and of the citizens must be determined before equipment and supplies can even be requested. Local governments do not possess the items necessary for this purpose such as bottled water and food to distribute to their citizens. Jurisdictions will coordinate with the local Red Cross to establish shelters in nearby facilities for people who have been displaced by the disaster and will work with them as best they can.

            Once additional resources are available, additional assistance will be available. If needed a “Point of Distribution or POD Site” will be established at a specific location. The purpose of the POD is to distribute water, food, and ice. These are the essentials that will be needed for everyone still residing in the disaster area who may not have electricity or gas at their home.

            At this point it is hard to predict what actions will occur as it will depend on the size of the disaster and whether it will qualify for state and federal aid. Substantial damage can occur however if the majority of the homes and buildings are covered by insurance that normally will not count to the overall damage figures. As a matter of information the damage must really be catastrophic to qualify for a disaster declaration and a Presidential Declaration that brings federal funding. If this does occur, notices will be posted for citizens affected by the disaster to call the FEMA telephone number to register for aid and various types of assistance centers will be established.

            In closing, the most important part of recovery is to be prepared by having a plan and a disaster supply kit. For additional information regarding this subject contact the Office of Emergency Management.

            The City’s Public Works Department in conjunction with the Office of Emergency Management, has developed and prepared a “Debris Management Plan” should it ever be needed following a major disaster, such as a tornado touchdown.

            This plan outlines various issues dealing with the priority of clearing our streets for emergency operations such as search and rescue; the location for the temporary storage of debris; and how debris throughout the City will be removed following a disaster, to include debris from private property.

            Once the roadways are cleared citizens will be allowed into the areas to inspect their property along with insurance adjusters from the various companies. As a reminder citizens should always insure they take proper identification with them during an evacuation as in the aftermath of a disaster, no one will be allowed into the area who cannot be identified as living in the cordoned off area to include the insurance adjusters. Looting can be a problem and a high level of security will be maintained by law enforcement that could include members of the Texas National Guard if deployed by the Governor.

            In the event this plan is activated citizens will be provided specific guidance as to how to remove debris from their property and where it must be placed. In a major disaster special contractors may be hired to handle this program under the direction of the debris manager outlined in the plan.

            If this plan is activated, all citizens will be asked to fully comply with the directions given to insure the smooth operation of removing the debris. Safety will be of the utmost concern as dangerous materials are sometimes uncovered during this process and sadly victims are sometimes located as well.

            To review the City’s Debris Management plan you can click on the link below:

            Debris Management Plan

              Park Maintenance

              The City of Live Oak Park Hours, 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

              Park Maintenance

              • Municipal Swimming Pool Maintenance
              • Clean and maintain public rest room facilities, pavilions, and Clubhouse.
              • Landscape and Grounds maintenance for more than 100 acres of park land
              • Maintain playground equipment and athletic fields
              • Wildlife Management
              • Maintain Walking Trails

              The Live Oak Parks Maintenance Division of Public Works is made up of one supervisor, a crew of five equipment operators and maintenance workers, and a private janitorial worker. This team is responsible for the oversight and maintenance of more than 100 acres of park land that includes the Main City Park, Woodcrest Park, city swimming pool, clubhouse and adjacent recreation areas. The work consist of traditional landscape, buildings and grounds maintenance to maintain all park amenities including: four baseball fields, a football field, a skate park, two-18 hole disc golf courses, a municipal swimming pool, over 10 miles of walking trails, and a 30 Acre lake. They work closely with Texas Parks and Wildlife, The Forestry Service and San Antonio River Authority to continue to offer a park system that is unparalleled to any in this region.

              This team is the backbone to nearly all city events including: the Easter Egg Scramble, Memorial Day Parade, Junior Fishing, Movie in the Park, Halloween Family Night, Christmas in the Park and the city festival Shindig on Shin Oak! This department helps coordinate all youth sports, civic groups, school groups and others that use the park.

                What is a Backflow Device?

                Pictured is a typical residential backflow device.

                Their primary function is to prevent cross contamination of the city's potable water system. National water codes and guidelines call for approved backflow protection on all lawn sprinkler systems and the backflow protection be tested yearly and maintained in working condition. At installation, it is the property owner's responsibility to provide the proper Live Oak Backflow Test & Maintenance (T&M) form with the test results for recording purposes. Each year a letter and Backflow T&M report form will be mailed to the property owner as a reminder to provide the City with the annual test results.

                This is required by Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TECQ) and the following adopted Plumbing Code:

                International Plumbing Code-608.16.5 Connections to lawn irrigation systems. The potable water supply to lawn irrigation systems shall be protected against backflow by an atmospheric-type vacuum breaker, a pressure-type vacuum breaker or a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer.

                30 TAC 290 Subchapter D: Rules and Regulations for public water systems 290.44(h) (1) No water connection from any public drinking water system shall be allowed to any residence or establishment where an actual or potential contamination hazard exists unless the public water facilities are protected from contamination.

                BACKFLOW ASSEMBLY TEST REPORT

                LIST OF BACKFLOW COMPANIES

                Public Works

                Street Maintenance

                For Street Maintenance questions or concerns, please email Paul Wernli, Superintendent of Public Works, pwernli@liveoaktx.net (210-653-9140, ext. 2224) or Cathi Piotrowski, Public Works Administrative Assistant cpiotrowski@liveoaktx.net (210-653-9140, ext. 2234).

                Storm Water

                For Storm Water questions or concerns, please email Paul Wernli, Superintendent of Public Works, pwernli@liveoaktx.net (210-653-9140, ext. 2224) or Cathi Piotrowski, Public Works Administrative Assistant cpiotrowski@liveoaktx.net (210-653-9140, ext. 2234).

                Water/Waste Water

                For Water/Waste Water questions or concerns, please email James Neeley, Utility Supervisor, jneeley@liveoaktx.net (210-653-9140, ext. 2220) or Cathi Piotrowski, Public Works Administrative Assistant cpiotrowski@liveoaktx.net (210-653-9140, ext. 2234).

                Park Maintenance

                For Park Maintenance questions or concerns, please email Kyle Weese, Parks Supervisor, kweese@liveoaktx.net (210-653-9140, ext. 2178) or Cathi Piotrowski, Public Works Administrative Assistant cpiotrowski@liveoaktx.net (210-653-9140, ext. 2234).