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4. Finally, how will services, costs and fees change as the landfill closes? Is it possible to <br /> simplify fees and provide more transparency so citizens can understand how fees <br /> relate to services and costs. <br /> We'd like to see the county quickly privatize recycling and make it voluntary. We hope you'll <br /> delay discussing new services until we all understand the fiscal realities of closing the landfill, <br /> and have a simplified fee structure that aligns to service and usage. <br /> Thankyou <br /> Janice Palmer thanked the Board of County Commissioners for their work for Orange <br /> County. She said she is interested in being educated and she asked why a change was <br /> needed. She asked if there had been a study of the pros and cons and the effect of these <br /> changes. <br /> Rob Taylor said he is speaking from three perspectives. He said as a citizen he <br /> appreciates the curbside recycling and he is afraid that he may have to pay more under a <br /> franchise and that there seems to be a lack of transparency with this option and process. As a <br /> past County employee, he knows this service is co-integrated with many other services that <br /> are provided and he said he is worried that if they pull this apart, these others parts may cease <br /> to exist. As a state employee, Orange County's recycling program is the most effective in N.C. <br /> and franchise programs are less effective that he has seen across the state. <br /> Joe Clayton said prior to coming under Orange County's control, these programs were <br /> run poorly. He is now a solid waste economist and he said everyone needs to be included in <br /> the program and everyone should benefit. He said the County should be completely honest <br /> and open. <br /> Jessica Bolllinger said she has an Efland Trash service and she started this business. <br /> Her business is specifically set up to handle long, narrow driveways that trucks cannot handle. <br /> She said she believes her business will suffer if Orange County franchises solid waste. <br /> Jan Sassaman was speaking as a resident of Chapel Hill and not as a member of the <br /> Solid Waste Advisory Board. He said he appreciated that this is a process but he feels a <br /> sense of urgency with this process. He said the recycling program of Orange County is doing <br /> fine. He said a subscription based program would create a disincentive to recycle. He asked <br /> staff to identify the specific issues they are trying to resolve. He said this proposal is counter <br /> to the long-range solid waste plan adopted by the County Commissioners. <br /> Tom Linden said he has not heard any compelling reasons to go to a franchise system <br /> and he is afraid they will be going with an "opt in" system which may reduce recycling in <br /> Orange County. <br /> Jim Ward from Chapel Hill Town Council said in his opinion this recommendation <br /> represents a precipitous decision that begins to sabotage the County's program. He said the <br /> information he has seen has come out of the Manager's office. He does not understand why <br /> the County would want to dismantle the recycling program. He fears that the premiere <br /> recycling program would cease to exist. He would like the Board to discuss the other options <br /> in a public forum. <br /> Commissioner Rich said she would like to digest the public's comments before the <br /> Board moves forward. <br /> Chair Jacobs said the next step was to schedule a public hearing on April 23 d at the <br /> Southern Human Services Center and whether to pursue a franchise agreement process. <br /> Commissioner Rich said she is hearing that maybe there may be more discussion that <br /> needs to take place before considering a franchise. <br />