Minutes 05-24-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The long term plan could impact the convenience centers. For example, if the county pursues waste to energy, most recyclables will be combined with trash and converted into energy. That affects separation, hauling, and other factors that are integral to the design of the convenience centers. The county should also seek efficiencies in recycling - which has been impacted by the economy. Based on the county's website, this year the county will spend nearly $4 million on recycling and recover less than $200,000 in sales of materials. If you add back the landfill fees that are avoided, it's a total of$700,000. The numbers are slightly better in the new budget- but it's still very expensive. We're all for recycling — but believe that there are ways to do it for less money. Consider that over 40% of our recycling comes from convenience centers—which are a low cost operation. In contrast, the rural curbside recycling program —collects only15% of the recyclables. With a long term plan, and hopefully a stronger local economy, the county can confidentially invest in convenience centers and other capital improvements that make sense in the short and long term. There's no rush —and there are higher priorities competing for the county's funds. Please defer the convenience center improvements and other capital projects until there's a long term vision for solid waste. Thank you" Stan Cheren read from a prepared statement: He was speaking for the coalition — OCV, RENA/CEER and Justice United who have been working on the mitigation plan for Rogers Road. "We appreciate the board's genuine commitment to the Rogers Road mitigation plan. And as you know, you have our support. We're committed to provide the information you need to plan and fund mitigation for this important Orange County community. As we discussed last week, it appears that the order-of-magnitude estimate for this capital project is $4-6 million - which is largely derived from OWASA's estimate of$3.5 million for the sewer lines. That numbers could change— and you will have a better estimate for your work session in August. We appreciate the county's plan to fund the mitigation with reserves and the tipping fees — but without a firm plan and cost estimates, you don't know how much money is needed. Plus —the towns need to agree to the plan and funding. Given the fiscal climate, debt or other financing may be needed to fund part or the entire project. The Rogers' Road mitigation plan is a top priority and there is nothing that the county is doing in the area of solid waste that is more important. Please defer the other programs until the mitigation plan is set, funding has been appropriated and a real timeline is approved. Thank you" Tish Galu read from a prepared statement: She said that they appreciate the number of hours spent on putting this budget together. As you have heard from others — Bonnie, Norma, Steve, and Stan - there are concerns about how our money is being spent versus what we believe the County needs, especially in this difficult economic environment.