Written By Lisa Breslin
A hungry goat herd’s appetite for weeds is saving the city of Westminster thousands of dollars each year.
The animals are part of an award-winning program dubbed “Project Weed Eater,” which is the brainchild of Jeff Glass, the city’s deputy director of planning and public works.
Last year Mayor Tom Ferguson started a program to encourage employees to submit ideas to improve the city’s efficiency, productivity and cost saving efforts. Each employee’s idea is judged on whether or not it can be carried out and if it is fiscally sound.
The owner of the winning idea garners $1,000 (which comes from Ferguson’s annual stipend) and recognition at the city’s annual luncheon.
On Dec. 15, Glass’ goat plan got the spotlight Ferguson said it deserves.
“Westminster’s raw water reservoir is surrounded by steep slopes and rough terrain,” Ferguson said, “and the city is required to maintain the area, to keep the vegetation down and keep trees cleared and underbrush under control so that inspections are attainable and accurate.”
Under the old system, twice a year, 11 members of the utility department used to grub the place down. Ferguson estimated that it took more than more than 1,600 man hours to do the work.
“It’s not a fun job,” he added. “It’s dirty, nasty, steep terrain filled with poison ivy. Likewise, these are skilled workers who were kept from other work.”
Not any more. Thanks to Project Weed Eater, goats are keeping the terrain trim. Glass and other employees, who have to be out at the reservoir to check flow meters, report that so far, the animals have been low maintenance. The goats have shelter when temperatures dip, and fencing keeps them in areas that need to be grubbed.
As you might expect, many of the goats have been given names. There’s Troy, Sigfried and Roy (named for city council member Roy Chiavacci). There’s Sweetums, Saturday (the goat that has a laid back approach to work), and Micro (the smallest of the bunch).
“Each goat cost between $20 and $60 at the local auction,” said Glass. “And they’ve got a pretty good life. This bunch is seasoned – it knows the fence system and the goats all get along. It’s great. I grew up in a farm setting, so this project is fun to watch.”
Although Project Weed Eater earned recognition at the city’s annual luncheon, Glass continues to earn praise not only for the idea, but also for his modesty.
Rather than keep the prize money, Glass donated it to one of his favorite local charities: the Carroll County Arts Council.
“He figured he was just doing his job,” said Ferguson. “So he passed the money along. That generous gesture is Jeff Glass. The city is lucky to have him.” -L.M.B.
