Agenda - 11-20-2003-3 - Laserfiche WebLink

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q' In recognition of some of the reservations articulated by the BOCC regarding the 2000 solid waste plan update, staff has made some changes to the proposed 2003 waste reduction plan in. These changes include: • elimination of a plamred Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) • continued utilization of the existing processing pad • elimination of a proposed shift to connningled collections of recyclables • elimination of contemplated service expansions to the eonunercial sector (except for incremental expansions to the food waste program) • elimination of assumed additions to the recyclable materials waste stream ((except possibly drywall if reliable long-terra markets develop) • reduced expansion of rural curbside routes (no universal curbside recycling) • elimination of the personnel, equipment, etc. related to the expansions Staff considers these changes to have the effect of making the plan a "baseline plan" rather than a growth/expansion plazr. For the most part, the County would simply maintain the current mix of programs and services. The plan could be characterized as a more deliberate/gradual reduction strategy that maintains current activities/services. While the suggested chazrges will likely make it more difficult to achieve the 61 % waste reduction goal or lengthen the timeline along which the goal will ultimately be met, the BOCC may make future modifications to the plan that could allow meeting or exceeding that goal. Staff assumes that the 61% reduction goal will be maintained. Based on direction from the BOCC, staff will finalize the tluee-year plan update due to the State and schedule the revised plan for a public hearing as soon as possible., While staff believes that a single ,joint public hearing would be more efficient, we would Ue prepared to conduct a separate hearing for each,jurisdiction if necessary. Following the public hearing(s), Solid Waste staff would work with staff of each local govenunent to schedule consideration by each governing board of final approval of the plan. All four entities must formally endorse before Solid Waste staff submit it to the State. Current Status of Alternative Financing The BOCC's most recent substantive discussions regarding the alternative financing issue took place in late winter 200.3 in conjunction with recommendations presented by the Solid Waste Advisory Board. It is az~ticipated that the November 20 work session will provide time for- further discussion of the issue, including obtaining additional feedback/guidazlce from the BOCC..Attachurent B provides an outline of the current financial status of the fund. Since the SWAB alternative financing reconunendation was presented to the BOCC in February 2003, staff has had the opportunity to further consider the various related issues. Staff has had ongoing discussions with the SWAB, conununicated with the members of County staff who will have billing and collection responsibilities, and spoken with the Manager and various citizens on the subject. Based on this continuing reflection staff has prepared a preliminary proposal regarding a fee assessment methodology,