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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.10.2009• • COUNCIL WORK SESSION August 10, 2009 4:50 p.m. Council Chambers Members present: Mayor Hurley, Cole, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie Schmitt. Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Steve Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Mayor Hurley noted that several weeks ago after the windstorm, the city opened up the size restriction and allowed yard waste to be dropped off at the Waste Management site until 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. Mayor Hurley stated that when the yard waste rules were created, we did not have access to a chipper. Mayor Hurley stated that we could go back to the regular hours and regulations or we could continue using the chipper. Larry Smith, Superintendent of Waste Management Services, stated that as long as the city continues to have the dump site open, they will need to use the grinding operator because hauling to the landfill would be more expensive. The grinder has a 4 foot grappler and can grind up to 36" logs. A lot of the wood is being picked up by citizens to use for firewood. The contractor has signed a three-year agreement at $25 per ton, with no limit on the number of tons. The contractor comes to the site about every two weeks. The city will need to get rid of what is grinded down. Mayor Hurley noted that the city cannot burn and it would be expensive to haul the yardwaste to the landfill. Council discussed enforcement at the drop-off site and the need to have a person to enforce the rules. Councilperson Welper noted that people are going to bring out just about anything once the guard leaves. Councilperson Cole stated why wouldn't the city continue with the customer service/constituent friendly service. Mr. Smith noted that any changes that are made would apply to the yardwaste and not the blue cart waste. Councilperson Getty stated the city needs to restrict the site for Waterloo citizens and not commercial haulers. Councilperson Getty stated that some of the private haulers charge citizens to haul the yardwaste, and then they drop it off for free at the city's yardwaste site. Councilperson Reggie Schmitt stated he feels the city should continue what we have been doing since the windstorm, but limit the size because we don't want huge items such as root balls with sod. Councilperson Reggie Schmitt asked if the city has looked at buying a chipper. Mr. Smith reported that the contractor wind rolls and turns it twice for composting material, which the city gives away. There is firewood and composting piles available to the public. Mr. Smith suggested that the city not accept 36" or root balls, and that 18" diameter is the size most homeowners would be able to cut. Mayor Hurley stated that he and Larry Smith will come up with the wording for composting, chipping and firewood and put together a press release. Mayor Hurley discussed the city's recycling sites. Mayor Hurley noted that his office received complaints about abuse at the recycling sites located at the former Chamberlain site and on West 4th & Allen (Jordan/Eveland Center). There have been complaints of people dropping off couches, chairs, plastic toys, etc. Mayor Hurley stated that it is another great service that is provided to our citizens, but maybe the city needed to do a better job of posting the rules. Councilperson Steve Schmitt asked how much the city spends to clean up the recycling sites. Mr. Smith responded that the city spends an average of $1,000.00 per month to keep the Chamberlain recycling site clean. Council Work Session August 10, 2009 Page 2 Councilperson Steve Schmitt suggested that the city use more cameras or use more visible sites, such as Logan Avenue or the fire station. Mayor Hurley asked what does the Black Hawk County Solid Waste Commission contribute for the recycling program. Mr. Smith responded the city receives $4.00 per capita from the commission. Councilperson Hart noted that the city tried cameras before but we couldn't get close enough to read the license plates and suggested either better cameras or motion sensors. Mr. Smith responded that the city would need to have someone man the cameras. Councilperson Welper explained an incident he saw at a recycling drop-off site, and that he feels its the average citizens that is dropping off items that are not allowed in the recycling bins. Councilperson Greenwood noted that the city is discussing a transfer station, and he thinks the Chamberlain site might be a good location. Councilperson Welper stated that the assessment of a transfer station is done except where to locate it. The city would like to see it located by the Waste Management area, which he is fighting because he would like to locate it between the east side and west side. The transfer station needs to be in a visible, safe and convenient location so people use it. There are many regulations on where a transfer can be built. Councilperson Welper stated that eventually the satellite sites would be closed. Councilperson Steve Schmitt stated that the City of Cedar Falls still has neighborhood sites for those large items that are mashed done to fit into one truck. Artie McNeil, 2253 East 4th Street, stated that he feels the former CMC site is a good location for a transfer station. It has overhead doors, 12 acres of land with plenty of room for city equipment. Mayor Hurley responded that the city is looking at the CMC for another very good purpose. Councilperson Greenwood asked what illegal items are dropped off at the sites. Mr. Smith responded a lot of furniture, tires and trash. Ideas included: more signage, more cameras, more the recycling site from Chamberlain, better cameras and the impact of a transfer station. Mayor Hurley stated he will work with staff to be more proactive and discussion of the transfer station will move forward. Councilperson Hart asked if the city has hired a consultant. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, responded that the city needs to pick a site before hiring a consultant, and the city needs to make a decision as to whether we are building a recycling convenience site or a transfer station site. With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Cole that the meeting be adjourned at 5:20 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Nancy Eckert City Clerk •