Minutes 11-19-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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for the purchase of the carts. He said the County will pick up the balance of this purchase. He said the total purchase of the carts will be just over $1 million, and the anticipated grant proceeds are $214,000. He said, with Board authorization, the manager could award the roll cart bid prior to the Board's return from break in January. Commissioner Dorosin asked if, between now and June 30th, the status quo will continue, regardless of how the Board proceeds. He asked if it was possible that any agreements would go into effect before July 1. Michael Talbert said there is a current arrangement to use reserve funds within solid waste to fund these activities through July 1, 2014. He said that proceeding this way gives the opportunity, on July 1, to do the billing that will replace the 3R fee. He said this will be attached to the property tax. He said the goal is to transition to curbside recycling with roll carts as soon as possible, as it is more effective and efficient. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the program will continue being funded out of reserves through June 30th Michael Talbert said yes. Commissioner Dorosin clarified that the out of pocket cost of the carts will be about $785,000. Michael Talbert said this is correct. Commissioner Dorosin asked if Michael Talbert and the attorney have talked with the Towns and if the Towns are on board with signing letters of intent. Michael Talbert said yes. He said staff has gotten informal commitment from Hillsborough. He said Carrboro has considered this in a public meeting and would like to move forward. He said the Town of Chapel Hill has also instructed their manager to move forward. Commissioner Pelissier referred to the section on financing mechanisms on page 6 of the abstract. She thought there would be a district tax, but the draft appears to say there can be different mechanisms for rural and urban areas. Michael Talbert said tonight's item is only for urban curbside and multi-family within the town limits. He said the draft is just a starting point for the potential of a future district. He said this language is just a starting point. He said the district tax is what has been discussed to date. He said the urban curbside will be bid out to private contractors, and the County will purchase and maintain the roll carts. Commissioner Pelissier asked if this means that the financing for July 1, 2014 is unknown. Michael Talbert said the urban service will be paid for with fees, as outlined in the abstract. He said the fee is estimated at $60 per year for families and $19 per year for the multi-family. He said this is not official until the RFP is back. He said Chapel Hill also wants to look at bi-weekly collection alternatives. Chair Jacobs said the County is anticipating a specific plan to pay for carts by the time of the July 1St rollout. He said the current priority is to endorse the concept of moving toward this option in the urban recycling program. Michael Talbert said staff does anticipate financing the carts but the carts have a long lead time and need to be ordered. He said financing can be arranged after this. Commissioner Rich said she is excited about this, and she thanked the towns for agreeing to stick with this amazing program. She asked Gayle Wilson how many bins fit into the roll out carts. She questioned the bi-weekly collection. Gayle Wilson said the proposed carts are 95 gallons, versus the current 18 gallon bins. He said the new roll carts will allow room for cardboard.