Minutes 12-09-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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provided an information item update (attached) of the proposed implementation plan for rural roll carts that outlined the process by which the current service area would be surveyed for interest in receiving a roll cart. Staff also provided a timeline by which a recommendation would be brought to the BOCC for purchase authorization and ultimately, distribution of the carts to residents. In September 2014 a mailing was distributed to all residents (approx. 14,500) in the existing rural roadside service area. A second mailing was distributed to all of the non-respondents to the first mailing. As of November 14, 2014, staff had received 7,541 responses by mail, phone, email or answers via the on-line survey to order carts (6,841); or alternatively to indicate that they did not want a cart (700). Responses continue to trickle in. Based on the 6,841 responses to date, plus an estimated 10% additional residents who did not respond to date for whatever reason that staff anticipates will desire a cart, staff believes the County can expect at least 7,525 carts will be requested by the time of delivery or soon thereafter, once the carts become visible along the roadways. Additionally, staff believes a small stock (75) should be on hand in the event of new construction or to replace lost, stolen or damaged carts. Additional carts will not be available unless or until they are approved in the FY-2015/16 budget. Therefore staff is proposing the purchase of 7,600 roll carts at this time. The 95-gallon rural roll carts will be virtually identical to the roll carts previously distributed in the Towns with the exception that they will have black lids rather than blue lids. Those who did not opt for carts may continue to use their bins roadside or carry recycling to the convenience centers or drop-off sites. If the proposed cart purchase is approved, the carts will be ordered with delivery to residents expected during the months of late January and February and residents may start using the carts upon delivery. The distribution schedule will be partly weather dependent, but should be completed by early March. Residents may keep the orange bins for personal use or recycle them at any Solid Waste Convenience Center. Members of the public who have not yet ordered a cart but are eligible (located in the existing service area) and interested can contact the Solid Waste Department, 919-968-2788 or recyclinq(a�oranqecountync.qov. Staff anticipates that the carts will result in increased recycling, greater collection efficiency and fewer worker injuries with more automated collection and less manual stooping to collect from bins. The first three months of in-Town recycling using the blue roll carts resulted in a 29 percent increase in tons of recyclables collected at the curb. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The BOCC appropriated $378,000 for 7,000 roll carts in the FY-2014/15 budget based on an estimated cost of$54/each, including distribution. These funds were to be borrowed from the solid waste enterprise fund reserve at a 2.5% rate over five years. A $75,000 grant (reimbursable) from North Carolina Department of Environment & Natural Resources is still expected to fund a portion of the rural cart cost. The current cost of the carts is $58.44 or $444,144 total, including distribution and a mold label on the lid. The increase is a result of an increase in the cost of resin; the purchase of fewer carts than for the urban program and obtaining less of a volume discount; higher costs for cart distribution in rural areas as opposed to in-town' and the mold label on the lid as opposed to decals used for the urban roll carts. North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 143-129(e) (3) allows local governments to make purchases through a competitive bidding group purchasing program, which is a formally