Agenda - 04-06-2010 - 4a - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 1 PUBLIC COMMENT: 2 Kenny Keel, Town Engineer with the Town of Hillsborough, requested that item #19, 3 Bio-solids Disposal, be removed from the legislative agenda because federal and state 4 regulations regarding bio-solids are already in effect and being enforced. Federal and state 5 regulators enforce the current rules and local municipalities and utilities further monitor these 5 rules. It is his understanding that Grange County does not have sufficient staff and funding to 7 take on this new responsibility. He believes that Grange County would be better served to 8 monitor and report problems to State staff for action rather than creating an additional 9 bureaucracy. He said that viable alternatives, both economical and effective, are needed 10 before going forward with additional regulations and restrictive and unnecessary clauses. He 11 said that if land application of bio-solids in Grange County is restricted beyond current state and 12 federal law, it could increase Hillsborough's disposal costs over 300%. He said that another 13 option is that a County commissioner or proxy could be given a seat on Hillsborough's Water 14 and Sewer Advisory Committee and similar committees and boards in other jurisdictions. 15 15 Frank Clifton said that the Director of OWASA has indicated the willingness to work with 17 the County on this issue. 18 19 Commissioner Yuhasz made reference to item #1 — Revenue options for local 20 government—and said that it contains a provision that he objected to last year and he still 21 objects to it. He said that it is not appropriate that voters in Dare county can make decisions 22 that would then apply to Grange county. He will vote against this whole package if this item is 23 included. 24 commissioner Gordon made reference to item #1 - Revenue options for local 25 government - and said that, except for the last sentence, this tracks fairly closely with what 25 TJCGG and NCACC has asked for. The overarching principle is that if any local government 27 has an option for a certain revenue source that other governments in North Carolina would have 28 the same option. She does not think it mandates that County government exercise this option. 29 She said that the last sentence might not be necessary. She suggested supporting what the 30 TJCGG and NCACC have supported. 31 Commissioner Foushee said that she supports that sentiment too and they have done 32 what they can do as it relates to a land transfer tax. She is okay with striking this language from 33 item #1. 34 Commissioner Jacobs said that the TJCOG does specify what is being taken out. He 35 said that it was fine to take out the last sentence, but TJCGG says, "seeks authority for local 36 government on a reasonable basis." 37 Commissioner Jacobs made reference to Mr. Keel's concerns and said that Grange 38 county does not have any interest in becoming a regulator so much as to try and gain more 39 control over where bio-solids are applied and how they are applied. He does not have any 40 confidence that the State is going to do a better job of regulation than local government. He 41 does not think that staff needs to be added to work with the local utility providers. 42 Commissioner Hemminger agreed with this sentiment. 43 44 Commissioner Foushee said that one of the recommendations is to determine the top 3- 45 5 priorities to push on the list. 45 The following were discussed as the top priorities: 47 - Bio-solids Disposal 48 - Hunting deer with dogs 49 - Alamance/Orange County line 50 - Financial help for counties or not taking away any more funds