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Alderman Caldwell asked that the School Boards be included in future discussions of this issue. It is important that all elected officials be a part of this process. Council member Capowski indicated the importance of the cost being shared fairly between all units of government. The Durham County residents who live in Chapel Hill must be protected as well. There was a lengthy discussion about costs being shared and decisions reflecting the financial state of the various parties. Also, that staff maintain their current level of benefits. This needs to be discussed in light of regional considerations. Short term fiscal decisions must not take more weight than long term environmental, social and long range fiscal issues. The management for the newly created structure needs to be open to new developments in technology. Economic considerations need to be included in waste reduction planning. The meeting broke into small-groups in order to brainstorm. The following issues were identified. • Decision-makers need to be accountable to citizens/customers, governing board staff, as well as individual governing boards. • Cost needs to be fair across jurisdictions by assuring that it is reasonable to citizens and is in proportion to other government expenses and maintains individual government budgetary soundness. • All parties need to be included in the decision making process. The financial situation of each entity needs to be considered. • There will be no loss of benefits to any effected employees. • Consensus should be the preferred option to resolve issues. • Access to decision makers by citizens must be assured • There needs to be a "back door" should the structure be unworkable after it is established. • Management needs to keep up with new advances in technology • A vision for the future needs to be maintained. • Must be responsible to the environment • Residents near landfill must be treated fairly. • Health and welfare concerns of near residents must be considered • Public private ventures need to be pursued • Regional issues must be considered • Develop a simple, cost effective solid waste plan. There was discussion about the importance of the elected officials creating a mission statement which will be used to guide this structure. During a discussion of problemsiconcerns with the current proposal the following issues were mentioned. • Decision making process does not reflect the financial situation of all elected bodies. • The 4 x 2 representation does not reflect the approximate amount of waste generated by the entities. • Carrboro does not want Chapel Hill to have more power in any area that affects Carrboro's budget • It is important that a level playing field be created so that policy is created because it is the best idea and not because it is in one entities best interest. • The influence could be said to be weighted toward the board members of the smallest town. This would be a rate setting board which tends to give members a great deal of influence in smaller communities.