Minutes 05-13-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

whole agreement, but she is interested in knowing what their professionals say about how this might be done for a limited section. John Roberts said this is a very basic and broad document that is presented as the only thing that could possibly get approved by July 1St. He said there are key portions of this, such as recycling, where major decisions still have to be made. He said whatever is done with this document or another document, key aspects will need to be amended in the future. He said this is not something that can be done comprehensively between now and July 1St Commissioner Pelissier asked what needs to be done to be sure recycling can be in place by next year. Chair Jacobs said this could be considered a preliminary interlocal agreement, which means it is a starting point. Commissioner Pelissier asked if a preliminary agreement means having something to get them through next year, and maybe even simplifying it more. She said a group would then be formed to flesh it out. Chair Jacobs said yes. Michael Talbert said this is an outline that could be something much broader at a later date. He said an advisory group could be asked to work out the details with elected officials from each unit of local government. He said the document could then be brought back to the Board in a year for a major amendment. Commissioner Price said this document does not seem comprehensive. She said there are a lot of elements all over the place, and she feels that if towns are going to be involved this needs to be a comprehensive solid waste project. She said if this document has to be used, she would ask that Labor Day be included as a holiday. Commissioner McKee asked what happens if this is not done by July 1St John Roberts said there is no current agreement, so you would still be maintaining the status quo. He said the towns still need to approve the recommended fees for recycling in their jurisdictions, but he does not see any legal change if this is not approved. Commissioner McKee said he is not interested in doing a piecemeal agreement because he thinks it reduces the County's negotiating ability. He feels the current solid waste program is piecemeal and confusing. He is not concerned with a July deadline, and he would rather go on with the status quo and then try and get this document right. He is not okay with the towns building a transfer station and not allowing the County to use it and vice versa. He said if Orange County is going to be responsible for its own trash, the County will need to build a transfer station. He would be fine to let this ride out until an agreement can be reached. He said an advisory board should be done before putting in a piecemeal agreement. Michael Talbert said if that is the Board's pleasure then staff can be directed, along with the towns, to refine this agreement over the summer and come back with a revised agreement by the first meeting in the fall. He said it could then be taken to the Assembly of Governments (AOG) meeting for discussion of the political issues that staff is not able to negotiate. Chair Jacobs said he feels that this document is very County centric. He would like to indicate that the County is amenable to an agreement that is more mutually satisfactory. He suggested an advisory group could contain two elected officials from each of the four governments, one representative from UNC, three citizens, and whatever staff the group deems appropriate. He said this would be a workable group, and he suggests that there be a specific timeframe to have an outline in time for the AOG meeting in November. He said everyone will want to make decisions in time for the 2015-16 budget year. He said the direction would be to create a comprehensive solid waste strategy that includes solid waste, bio-solids, food waste, and short and long term plans. He said if a plan of action can be created and the AOG can agree to go forward, then they would at least have a framework of a comprehensive plan with stages that allow them to address something next budget year.