Minutes 05-14-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Price asked if the statement "modernize the High Rock SWCC" could be clarified. Gayle Wilson said there was a model endorsed by the Board of County Commissioners where there would be a mix of District Centers and Neighborhood Centers. He said that Walnut Grove and Eubanks were proposed as District Centers thus larger, offering a wider array of services, longer hours, etc. He said Neighborhood Centers were proposed to be smaller with more limited services and perhaps more limited hours. He said having the two larger service centers and the smaller neighborhood centers allows for costs to be moderated while still insuring access to services throughout the County. Commissioner Price reiterated her question about the High Rock SWCC. Gayle Wilson said it would not be paved but would have compactors that sit on concrete pads. Gayle Wilson said it would reduce the number of containers as the compactor would hold a lot more refuse and therefore need less frequent servicing. He said the updates would phase out the open top garbage containers that are currently open fodder for wildlife, as well as open to the elements. He said when garbage gets wet it weighs more which ends up costing more when it is taken to the scales. Commissioner Jacobs asked if bollards will be put in front of the compactor preventing one from backing up a truck to the bins. Gayle Wilson said the changes have yet to be designed but would likely mirror other updated facilities. Commissioner Jacobs said he will raise his opinion during design discussions. Commissioner Price said exiting the Walnut Grove SWCC is still dicey and she suggested that any future upgrades, or new sites, might benefit from further study of traffic flow. Gayle Wilson said there are only so many ways to exit large trucks and private cars at the same time from a single exit. He said the Eubanks SWCC is designed somewhat similarly, which he will review it in detail at the June 2 meeting. He said he is open to suggestions. Commissioner Price asked if there could be greater protection from the elements for the workers. Gayle Wilson said he would be happy to meet with workers for their suggestions. He said the changes at Walnut Grove have been well received by the employees. He added that people who work outside become accustomed to it in ways that others are not. Commissioner Price asked if there was an enclosed area, apart from the collection space, where employees can take their breaks. Gayle Wilson said there is a building on the right as one enters the gate. He added that this space has both heating and air conditioning. Chair McKee agreed with Commissioner Price about the traffic flow issues and acknowledged that the changes made to the exit at Walnut Grove are a great improvement. He encouraged further study of this issue for the Eubanks SWCC. Chair McKee asked if there was a ballpark figure for the cost of up fitting the Walnut Grove SWCC. Gayle Wilson said $1.3 million. Chair McKee said he supported moving the scales at the Eubanks SWCC across the road as well as the changes to traffic flow; however, he cautioned everyone to not let the cost escalate out of control. He said the total cost seems to keep rising. He acknowledged this SWCC will be greatly used. Chair McKee said he heard Gayle Wilson say that as much as half of the truck traffic will interact with the vehicle traffic. He asked if he had heard this correctly.