HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.31.2003• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
March 31, 2003
2:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Hurley, Getty, Jordan, Kincaid.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Clark that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five.
Absent: Jordan, Kincaid. Motion carried.
Tim Shea, Superintendent of Waste Management Services, reviewed the results of the survey
mailed to 5,000 households regarding yardwaste containers. Mr. Shea reported that 1,700
households returned the survey, which is a 34 percent response. Of those responding, 58 percent
indicated they were interested in the curbside yardwaste program, 12 percent indicated they
would haul their yardwaste to the Easton Avenue site and 30 percent said they would mulch or
compost.
Councilperson Jordan now present at 2:50 p.m.
Mr. Shea proposed that the yardwaste containers also be used for recycling. The volume of each
cart is 12.7 cu. ft. and the capacity of each cart is 220 lbs. Each cart will hold 5.5 bags of
yardwaste with the lid closed. With the proposed 18 weeks collection of yardwaste, customers
could dispose of nearly two tons of yardwaste per season. The best estimate over the past two
years is the total of all collections per year was approximately 2,250 tons. If 5,000 customers
utilize the maximum capacity, we would generate 10,000 tons of yardwaste from the cart service.
Kincaid now present at 2:57 p.m.
Mr. Shea is proposing that the yardwaste carts could also be used for recycling, with the cost
remaining at $3 per month. Mr. Shea estimates that with 5,000 customers using the carts,
2,437.5 tons per year will be removed from the garbage flow, which will save the city
approximately $81,000.00. Mr. Shea is proposing that the 11 drop sites be maintained in order to
see what impact the automated recycling program will have on the sites. Mr. Shea suggested that
the council consider commingled material bins at the drop-off sites as the city is already paying
for sorting. These sites also serve many jurisdiction shoppers as well as commercial users who
pay nothing toward service costs.
Mr. Shea requested that he be authorized to order 5,000 yardwaste carts. Customers signing up
for the program will be required to stay with the program for the year.
Councilperson Clark stated those citizens with acreage or large trees would like to continue with
the paper bags used last spring. Councilperson Clark suggested that the cost of disposing of the
bags could be built into the cost of purchasing the bags.
Councilperson Hurley stated those electing not to use the yardwaste carts can take the yardwaste
in paper bags to the Easton Avenue site.
Mr. Shea stated he feels the city should get out of the bag business and have the customers pay
for the bags.
Council members discussed the proposed $1 per month increase in garbage fees. Michelle
Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, stated that $300,000.00 additional revenue is needed to
balance the Sanitation Budget.
Councilperson Jordan stated he feels the joint use of the carts for yardwaste and recycling is a
great concept, but asked how the city could offer the service for $3.00 per month if we add
recyclable material.
Mayor Rooff stated that increasing the garbage rates $1.00 per month, plus $3.00 per month for
the yardwaste cart will more than balance the Sanitation Budget. Mayor Rooff commented that
perhaps increasing the garbage rates $.50 per month could balance the budget.
Council Work Session
March 31, 2003
Page 2
Councilperson Hurley stated he is in favor of the yardwaste cart program and allowing customers
to haul their yardwaste to the Easton Avenue site. Councilperson Greenwood stated he is
supports the cart program, making bags available at our cost and allowing customers to use
plastic bags and dump the yardwaste at the Easton Avenue site for no cost.
It was the consensus of the council that Mr. Shea be given authorization to order 5,000 yardwaste
carts, and that the proposed yardwaste/recycling program be placed on the council agenda next
week.
Councilperson Hurley stated that since we do not know how many customers will sign up for the
yardwaste carts, the city should increase the garbage fees $1 per month, and if we find we only
need to have an increase of $.50 per month, the council can lower the monthly fee.
Councilperson Jordan stated that he only wants to raise the fees for exactly how much we need to
balance the Sanitation Budget.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Jordan that the
meeting be adjourned at 3:37 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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