Minutes 06-14-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to reduce the PIO funding by $10,000. VOTE: Ayes, 6; No, 1 (Commissioner Jacobs) Chair Pelissier asked if there were any changes to the fee schedule besides solid waste. A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz to accept all of the fee schedule changes other than Solid Waste. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Solid Waste: Frank Clifton said that part of the fee schedule this year is a proposal to expand the hours at the Solid Waste Convenience Centers and this includes a fee schedule. Chair Pelissier asked Solid Waste Director Gayle Wilson to clarify the suggested new annual fee, which includes the shift away from the general fund as well as funding capital improvements to the SWCC. Gayle Wilson said that the fee is recommended as the first step in the shift for a change from funding SWCCs through the general fund to a partially self-supporting situation. The fee is going to fund both the expansion in hours and the improvements at the first SWCC proposed, which is Walnut Grove. If the Board chooses not to implement a fee but only wishes to expand hours or continue with the SWCC improvements, then funding would have to come from the general fund. Commissioner McKee said that he would like to have all SWCC's open for a %2 day on Sundays. Commissioner Gordon asked about increasing hours more and deferring the capital improvements. Frank Clifton said that this would delay the capital project, but it would affect the closing of the landfill. He does not want to do all of the SWCCs at the same time when the landfill is being closed. Commissioner Gordon asked how much debt service would be saved and Gayle Wilson said $99,000 for the first year. Commissioner Gordon asked what could be done with the $99,000 for increased hours. Gayle Wilson said that it depends on the day and the center. All of the Sunday hours could be run with this amount. Commissioner Yuhasz said that this has been discussed before and the SWAB looked at the issue and came to the conclusion that the improvements need to be made. He is opposed to the delay of the proposed implementation of the improvements plans. He thinks that user fees should be imposed. Commissioner Hemminger said that only using the fee for the increased hours would not be sustainable. She agreed with having Sunday hours. She is not interested in increasing the fee any further. She does not think the hours can be increased past the Sunday hours without having to increase the fee beyond what it will be now. Commissioner Jacobs said that once the County sets certain standards, the public embraces them. He thinks that having convenience centers that do increase recycling and are user-friendly are important. He thinks that moving to a 4-R fee will be fine with the public. Chair Pelissier concurred with Commissioner Hemminger, Commissioner Yuhasz, and Commissioner Jacobs. She said that this is an area where there is not equitable funding.