Agenda - 10-15-2013-13 (4) - Laserfiche WebLink

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INFORMATION ITEM Memorandum To: Michael Talbert, Interim County Manager From: Gayle Wilson, Solid Waste Management Director Subject: Walnut Grove Convenience Center — Information Report Date: September 30, 2013 The newly reconstructed Walnut Grove Church Road Solid Waste Convenience Center opened on May 7, 2013 and this memorandum will summarize the experiences and observations at this site over the first four months of its operation. This memorandum will also provide intended courses of action based on these observations to improve or remedy identified shortcomings. Funding for these corrective improvements /enhancements will be made from the $53,962 remaining Walnut Grove construction project budget. Public Feedback The feedback from customers who use the center has been overwhelmingly positive. Of particular note are the comments regarding the additional recycling services offered and the cleanliness and appearance of the paved site. The negative comments have been minimal, but some users who are used to driving back and forth around the previous site feel constrained having to follow more prescribed traffic patterns. Two comments have been received with regard to vehicles not being able to pull extremely close to the compactor hoppers so that the distance to throw the waste is less. Additionally, a small number of users do not like having to wait 3 -5 minutes to dispose of their waste when the site is busy and there is a 4 -5 car line at the compactors. Lessons Learned Facilities /Construction There have been a few lessons learned with regard to design and construction of the facility that will inform staff as planning for the next District center modernization proceeds: • Two bulky waste compactors rather than one should have been installed. Bulky items do not compact as well as require more frequent service. Two were originally planned, but due to project budget concerns the second unit was eliminated. Currently a roll -off is utilized for overflow, but it must be emptied frequently. • Concrete compactor pads were originally not long enough and through a change order had to be lengthened by about 15 feet. • Gutters should have been originally designed for each building structure to better control water and were added later. • Insufficient landscape buffering was originally installed that later had to be supplemented by additional plantings. • The center attendant booth between the compactors and salvage shed area is seldom used as the attendants must remain near compactors. The booth may be eliminated from future center designs. 1