Minutes 03-26-2015 - Assembly of Governments

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Commissioner Jacobs said that he went into the process with the SWAG thinking that either option was fine, but he was persuaded by other representatives about the benefit of one flat fee. Commissioner Jacobs said too much has been spent talking about the urban-rural divide. He said there is also too much time spent talking about who is putting something over on someone else. He said it is important to be united and look at the bigger picture. He said this is an example of how to start moving in that direction. Commissioner Jacobs said he has been convinced to go with option 2. Town Council Member Cianciolo said he came out of the council meeting feeling like he could go with either option. He said the SWCC equity issue does not concern him very much, and he can make an argument that these are a valued asset for the entire County. He said it is important to work together more, and he noted that there are 75 percent more citizens living in the City of Durham than there are in the whole of Orange County, and there is also competition with things happening at the state level. He said the council members would have to sell the single fee option to residents if that is what is chosen. He said a recent report listed Orange County as the healthiest county in the state. He said having people drive less frequently to drop off their trash should have a positive effect on the environment, and this is one of the things that can be discussed in convincing the community of the value. He has no objections to the single fee with option 2. Alderman Seils said this is an opportunity to do something positive for all residents in Orange County. He said this will expand recycling and do something everyone can feel good about. He said it is important to create opportunities to participate in the program, and the feels the two tier program is divisive. He is supportive of the flat fee option. Town Council Member Palmer asked Alderman Chaney about her earlier comment and how people would be saving money. Alderman Chaney said she based this on the information on the spreadsheet attached to their agenda abstract. Gayle Wilson said there are some winners and losers in this process. He said single family homeowners in the towns will be paying less than the rural areas, but the urban multi- family will be paying more. He read through these numbers from the chart. Gayle Wilson said generally the single family homes are paying less and non- residential and multi-family dwellings will be paying more. Town Council Member Palmer said she did not study the chart well enough to see the cost savings, and she feels that her Council needs to discuss this further. She expressed appreciation for this discussion. Mayor Kleinschmidt said this has been a good discussion, and it has given everyone a chance to talk about what they care about most. He said it is possible to be respectful of the differing views and recognize the value of the principles that everyone brings to these conversations, and this will lead to a more satisfying outcome. Mayor Kleinschmidt said the Chapel Hill Town Council has some things to talk about. He does not see any difference in these two options creating barriers, and he would appreciate hearing how option 1 creates barriers to the larger goal. He does have concerns about the County's general waste stream being funded disproportionately from this fee. He would like to see his colleagues continue to provide comments and perspective. Chair McKee said this has been the best AOG meeting he has attended in the last five years. He said the points have been well stated and respectful. He said the County has a great recycling program now, and everyone in the room wants to make it better. He said he originally thought this goal could not be reached, but he sees now that the target will be reached, and possibly exceeded. Chair McKee said some good points were made about the convenience centers, and he thinks the center on Eubanks Road is going to provide a better service.