Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01/12/1993 2404 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington January 12, 1993 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hallett called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order SPECIAL MEETING: at 3:05 p.m. - ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Hallett, Councilmen Braun, Nicholson (arrived at 3:09 p.m.), and Ostrowski, Councilwoman Sargent, and Councilmen Schueler (arrived at 3:09 p.m.) and Wight. Members Absent: None. Clallam County Commissioners Present: Commissioners Duncan, Cameron, and Gaydeski. Staff Present: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B. Collins, and B. Jones. Clallam County Staff Present: J. Rumpeltes and G. Unger. Public Present: B. Haselton, L. Harris, D. Somers, T. Hunt, and G. Long. Solid Waste Issues Solid Waste Issues Mayor Hallett welcomed all those in attendance and advised the group the purpose of the meeting was to consider various issues pertinent to the landfill. Gene Unger, Clallam County Public Works Department, discussed the need for adoption of the Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan. It is anticipated that Sequim, Forks and Port Angeles City Councils will adopt the plan at their next meetings. The Clallam County Commissioners could then adopt the plan as early as February 9. Mr. Unger has contacted the tribes but, as yet, is uncertain as to possible adoption dates. Mr. Unger reviewed the history of the document preparation and indicated that, once adopted, there is a 45-day review period at the DOE level. Once approved by DOE, there is a window of opportunity to obtain DOE grant funds. In response to a question raised by Councilman Braun, Mr. Unger advised the group that funds have been set aside specifically for Clallam County but cannot be accessed until the plan has been adopted. Mr. Unger addressed the matter of the formation of a solid waste district, which has been one of the County Commissioners' goals for the last two to three years. The present goal indicates implementation by July, 1993. County staff has been researching the issue and is receiving information from other entities which have instituted such a district. At this point, however, it is important to receive input from the Commissioners and City Council as to how a district would operate and how extensively it would deal with solid waste. Also to be addressed are such matters as the differences between City and County residents, other forms of disposal, and how to establish contingencies in view of potential future changes in the landfill and disposal methods. The Solid Waste Plan emphasizes recycling in order to reduce the waste stream. Mr. Unger indicated the governing structure of a solid waste district would basically require the Commissioners to be the oversight body. That fact does not, however, preclude the formation of an advisory group which could be charged with specific duties and responsibilities. Also to be considered are issues involving whether mandatory collection should be instituted and whether public employees should continue to be responsible for collection. Solid Waste Superintendent Jones reported on the status of the landfill. He noted it -1- 2405 CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 12, 1993 Solid Waste Issues is intended the facility will continue to serve as a regional landfill for at least the (Cont'd) next five years. He discussed the FAA position on the closure of the landfill due to hazards created by the purported presence of birds in the area. FAA has an established policy opposing landfills within 5,000 feet of an airport. City staff feels there is opportunity for negotiation on the bird issue, the length of the landfill life, as well as future permitted activities which might take place at the landfill. Superintendent Jones cited examples of these activities in terms of work being conducted inside, eomposting operations, etc. He also briefly reviewed circumstances related to the significant increase in landfill and tonnage rates which came about because of the shorter life for the bond. Superintendent Jones proceeded to summarize the solid waste management analysis which is a type of decision tree for the landfill based on the various options. He emphasized the fact that one decision can directly impact all other landfill issues. Superintendent Jones also reviewed the permit issues and the variance conditions - which must be met. In addressing how to proceed, Administrator Rumpeltes and Manager Pomeranz outlined a course of action to initially include the adoption of the solid waste plan and formation of a solid waste district. Discussion ensued concerning the organizational structure of a district, and Councilman Wight indicated he expects it to take on a life similar to a public utility district. Councilmen Schueler and Wight were of the opinion the district would be separate from the County. Gene Unger indicated an advisory council can be formulated under the Commissioners who could turn over as much authority as possible. The group could be represented by all entities involved in the district. Manager Pomeranz suggested a committee be formulated to address these issues. Commissioner Cameron was under the impression the governing body could be independent. He indicated he wasn't desirous of getting back into the business of landfilling. Additionally, he felt much more discussion needs to take place in view of the bird situation. He supported the suggestion for a committee. Councilman Nicholson suggested the district could be established in a format similar to that of the hospital. Gene Unger reported the RCWs allow the Commissioners to create a solid waste district after holding a public heating. The district can be created by ordinance without a vote of the people. What he is hearing is there may be a desire to create another type of public entity which would require a legal opinion as to a possible required vote of the people. Mayor Hallett urged the group to obtain this opinion before proceeding. Commissioner Cameron indicated that special purpose taxing districts are not allowed to affect already existing junior taxing districts. Administrator Rumpeltes pointed out that most research indicates the commissioners are the oversight body. It was agreed the various alternatives need to be studied, legal opinions sought, and scenarios prepared for consideration. Discussion was held concerning the merits of staying together as a group in order to foster the most efficient means of trash disposal. If everyone were to go their separate way, the end result would more than likely be longhauling. Administrator Rumpeltes stated the County government provides two types of service: regional service for all County citizens and services specific to beyond the City limits. A solid waste district would expand the County's regional services. Manager Pomeranz pointed out it would also shift the liability to the solid waste district. Lengthy discussion followed and Commissioner Cameron felt that throughout past discussions, the district could accept the liability if it includes everyone in the County in return for an increase in service to all residents. Because circumstances have changed, he was not necessarily willing to submit County - residents to such a long-term liability particularly with a questionable life for the landfill. He viewed this as a regional problem and felt this may also involve an issue of equity in view of County residents paying more than City residents. Discussion was held concerning the FAA's authority over the landfill and the fact the FAA could potentially close the airport. Mayor Hallett pointed out the life of the landfill was projected to be twenty years, no matter what position was adopted by the FAA. Therefore, he felt the group should be planning a solid waste district and the various associated aspects of that decision. This is a long-term regional issue upon which action should be taken. Commissioner Duncan encouraged the group to consider options beyond landfilling, and a brief discussion was held concerning destination recycling. It was agreed the viability and formation of a solid waste district should be pursued with consideration given to feasibility, structure, options, f'mancial considerations, and technology now and in the future. Administrator Rumpeltes felt a committee -2- 24O6 CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 12, 1993 Solid Waste Issues could be established to address these issues and come forward with various scenarios (Cont'd) by the end of March~ 1993. A district could possibly be formed by the following July. The suggesti~6n'~wa~ ~ to involve Jefferson County in these discussions in order to establish a true regional effort. The group felt this idea had merit and should be pursued. It was noted Jefferson County has already indicated a willingness to assist in any way possible. Additionally, the possibility of going beyond these jurisdictions was suggested in view of the existence of the RTPO. Administrator Rumpeltes and Manager Pomeranz will meet and bring forward a recommendation as to the composition of the proposed committee. Manager Pomeranz sought the support of the Commissioners in the City's efforts with the FAA. He noted Congressman Dicks and other legislators have shown an interest in assisting on this matter. Commissioner Cameron felt the Commissioners could support the City with the FAA, if the City's approach is realistic and appropriate research has been done concerning the legal issues. The group will await a recommendation from Manager Pomeranz and Administrator Rumpeltes as to committee structure before proceeding. C rk '4.1 q -3-