Jimmie and Alicia Truss decided this spring to seek some modest attention for his ninth year of volunteering to clean and mow some of Saginaw’s numerous overgrown vacant lots. Their main purpose is not to boast or brag, but to encourage others to also get involved by “adopting” lots near their homes, on their own blocks, to build momentum for a community-wide effort.
At the same time, they gradually have assembled a wish list of equipment that would allow Jimmie to tackle tougher tasks, such as clearing brush and small woodlots, dead trees and stumps, abandoned garages and large debris.
The outline includes not only heavy-duty equipment, but also resources for storage and transport. When we consider all the effort required, this makes sense.
“I don’t want people to think I’m being greedy,” Jimmie says with his characteristic modesty. “Simply, these are the items I would need to do a better job on some of the most challenging properties, including some where I cannot even start working with only my personal equipment.”
Estimates are just that, ballpark estimates, not precise quotes or bids. They include:
- Exmark Lazer Z riding mower, 60-inch-wide deck, to replace use of his household mower. New, $6,000 to $8,000. Used, $3,500 to $4,000.
- Brush hog cutting attachment for a Bobcat T450, $4,000.
- Wood grinder for tree stumps and trunks and large fallen branches, $5,000.
- Stihl commercial chain saw, $800 to $1,000.
- A mini dump truck 2500HD-3500HD (automatic) to haul debris for compost at the city’s site on Veterans Parkway. New, $40,000 to $50,000. Used, $12,000 to $20,000.
- An enclosed, attached trailer to assist with equipment loading and unloading, $4,000 to $5,000.
- Bobcat Skid Steer trailer, $2,000 to $5,000.
- A 20-foot storage container, $2,500.
Alicia already has completed a gofundme page that raised $5,600, and the couple also is exploring local nonprofit grants. Meanwhile, donors may contact either Jimmie or Alicia through their cash app at $Barbedoll86, via email at truss.alicia@yahoo.com or through either of their Facebook pages.
