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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/10/95CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 10, 1995 5:30 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Mayor Rooff, Mollenhoff, Krizek, Murphy, Collier, Jordan, Getty Members absent: Anders Moved by Jordan, seconded by Mollenhoff to approve the agenda as proposed. Ayes: Five. Absent: Collier, Anders. Motion carried. Street Superintendent Dick Grimm provided a graph of revenue and expense comparisons for the operation of the Sanitation Department with both automated and manual garbage collection services. It was stated that not all costs have been figured into the cost of operations because the cost of the changeover has not been fully calculated for office staff time yet. Councilperson Krizek stated that the most effective way to reduce costs is to utilize manpower resources more effectively in dealing with the incentive system that is in place. Councilperson Mollenhoff raised the question about the cost effectiveness of transfer stations and Mr. Grimm reported that his staff did analyze this option but it is very expensive to build and operate. Mayor Rooff summarized the change in services from the year 1993 to 1995. In 1993, collection was ten bags weekly for ten dollars, no leaf pickup except by the purchase of leaf bags, no burning allowed, no large item pickup service and five recycling centers. Currently in 1995 the City is providing ten bags weekly for ten dollars, free leaf pickup in the spring and fall, bulk item pickup of ten items for ten dollars, free neighborhood cleanup service, institution of automated pickup and an increase in the number of recycling centers. Councilperson Mollenhoff stated that the City needs to compare the cost of operations to the revenue stream to match both because sanitation services are not a profit center for the City and should be operated at cost. The availability of funds to assist with the purchase of containers was discussed. The Solid Waste Commission has been accumulating funds to assist with waste reduction efforts and those funds are approximately $30,000.00 for the City of Waterloo's share. Councilperson Mollenhoff remarked on the fund balance carried by the Solid Waste Commission and asked that an informational packet be developed with the Commission's recommendations and options for support of a volume -based garbage system. The revenue projections for a volume based fee system were reviewed. The estimated revenue if no change is made to the current fee structure is $2,769,000. Alternate one is a fee structure based as follows: $9 30 gallon container with a $10 rate for unautomated customers $11 60 gallon container $13 90 gallon container The total revenue projected for this alternate would be $2,793,000. Councilperson Collier now present at 6:00 p.m. Councilperson Jordan stated that he would like to see a five year projection on expenses and revenues to be able to support any fee increase for citizens. Councilperson Krizek stated that if volume based garbage is aimed at waste reduction why would the City consider offering a ninety gallon container to residents. It was agreed that if a resident needs the ninety gallon container they should pay an increased fee for that service. Fee structures were examined starting at $8.50 for small containers and ranging through $19.00 for large containers. It was agreed that rates need to be staggered enough to induce customers to use a smaller container and to promote recycling. It was moved by Krizek, seconded by Getty to establish the fees at $8.50 for each thirty gallon container, $10.00 for each sixty gallon container and $15.00 for each ninety gallon container, with the unautomated routes to pay $10.00 with a three thirty gallon bag limit. The need to set a fee for allowing additional bags to be set out for an additional fee was brought to the attention of the council. Councilpersons Jordan and Collier stated their objection of adding fees on top of the garbage collection fees. Councilperson Krizek noted that the additional fee should be considered a user fee, not an additional fee. Mayor Rooff stressed the need for the City to provide a means for residents to dispose of trash during those infrequent periods that they exceed the limit, such as holidays or when hosting visitors or special events. Following this discussion a vote on the above motion was taken with the following results. Ayes: Three. Nays: Jordan, Collier, Mollenhoff. Absent: Anders. Motion not carried. Councilperson Getty expressed the need to provide some resolution to the fee structure to allow the Street Department time to educate the citizens about the proposed changes in routes, fees and volume limits. It was moved by Getty, seconded by Collier to approve the volume based fees of $8.50 for thirty gallon containers, $10.00 for sixty gallon containers and $15.00 for ninety gallon containers and the unautomated routes to remain at $10.00 but not to include sticker fees in the resolution. Ayes: Four. Nays: Murphy, Krizek. Absent: Anders. Motion carried. Mayor Rooff asked that the council review their packets of information and be prepared to address the issue of finding a way for residents to dispose of additional bags of garbage. Street Superintendent Grimm will proceed with preparing surveys to send to customers on the automated routes. Another work session will be scheduled to conclude the preparation for adoption of the new ordinance on garbage and refuse. Moved by Murphy, seconded by Collier that the meeting be adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Anders. Motion carried. Susan Fangman City Clerk City Council Work Session July 10, 1995 5:30 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Mayor Rooff, Mollenhoff, Krizek, Murphy, Collier, Jordan, Getty Members absent: Anders Moved by Collier, seconded by Murphy to approve the agenda as proposed. Ayes: Five Absent: Getty, Anders. Motion carried. City Engineer Eric Thorson reviewed the lists and estimated costs for each ward's requested 1996 street improvements. Two streets were added for consideration, Meadow Lane and East Second Street. Estimates will be prepared for those two requests and made available at the next work session which will be scheduled for July 17, 1995. Moved by Collier, seconded by Krizek that the meeting be adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Anders. Motion carried. Susan Fangman City Clerk