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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09/10/1996 3363 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington September 10, 1996 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Ostrowski called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to SPECIAL MEETING: order at 4:05 p.m. in the Clallam County Commissioners' meeting room. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Ostrowski, Councilmembers Braun, Campbell, · Doyle, and Wiggins. Members Absent: Councilmembers Hulett and McKeown. Commissioners Present: Commissioners Duncan and Kitchel. Staj~Present: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, J. Pittis, B. Jones, and D. Miller. County StaJfPresent: J. Rumpeltes, S. Hauff, B. Martin, and J. Ciarlo. Public Present: M. Hannah, B. Gagnon, B. Beausoleil, A. Calcagno, D. Calcagno, J. Briece, and J. Bay. Solid Waste Issues Mayor Ostrowski opened the meeting by introducing those seated at the dais, as well as City and County staff involved in addressing the future of the County's solid waste. He indicated it was his hope that more joint meetings of this nature could be held in the interest of working towards a cooperative solution to various issues of concern to both the City and the County. Councilman Campbell advised those present that he had discussed the need for this joint meeting with Commissioner Duncan. The meeting today was a result of those discussions. Steve Hauff, County Road Engineer, indicated that solid waste is one of his responsibilities at the County. As such, he reported that the goal of this meeting was to acquaint the group with the overall status of the solid waste issues without being too technical in terms of solutions. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee will be forwarding a report in a few months after which time consideration can be given to the selection of specific solutions. Bob Jones, Solid Waste Superintendent for the City, summarized the history of the City' s Landfill, coveting the period prior to 1987, the various phases of construction, and the notification from the Federal Aviation Administration as to the required closure of the Landfill. The earliest date for closure of the Landfill would be in 1998; however, Mr. Jones indicated an extension request has been submitted. If such an extension is granted, the Landfill life could be extended to the year, 2000. Mr. Jones discussed an environmental assessment underway which will be ongoing for a period of one year. This assessment is partially funded by the Port of Port Angeles, due to the close proximity of the airport to the Landfill and the fact that the Landfill has been asked to close due to the bird population in the airport's vicinity. Mr. Jones indicated that the time has come to begin making decisions and assigning reasonable timelines pertinent to those decisions. All options must be thoroughly considered, and Mr. Jones emphasized the need for an ongoing partnership between the City, the County, and the other municipalities and agencies involved. He discussed the option of long hauling the County's refuse and the possibility of privatizing all or a portion of that scenario. Further, he reviewed various organizational options, to include maintaining the current organization, establishing a franchise fee, entering into interlocal agreements, and creating a solid waste disposal district. In spite of the fact the Landfill will be closed, the group was reminded that certain costs will be ongoing for a minimum of 30 years as leachate, for example, must be tested on a regular basis. Also, the Landfill could meet certain needs in terms of recycling and composting. The final land use must be determined as well. Mayor Ostrowski mentioned the Solid Waste Regional Plan, and Mr. Jones indicated the Plan calls for the formation of a collection district, with long hauling as the preferred option. -1- 3364 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING September 10, 1996 Solid Waste Issues At this time, Mr. Jones introduced various individuals in attendance, all of whom are (Cont'd) active and interested participants in the process: Mark Hannah, Solid Waste Advisory Committee Chair; Brent Gagnon, West Waste; Bob Beausoleil, Olympic Disposal; Ambrose and Duane Calcagno; John Briece; and Jim Bay. The Chair of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Mark Hannah, informed the group that the committee has been meeting on solid waste issues since 1988. The Solid Waste Regional Plan, which was mandated by the State, was finalized in 1993. The committee has addressed such issues as collection, recycling, waste management, and disposal. With the impending closure of the Landfill, there was a need to look at different means of disposal with the help of the consultants. The possibility of privatization has been part of the considerations. Because of the economic factors involved in the different options, it has been difficult for the committee to arrive at any specific recommendations, and therein lies the need for involvement from the leadership. Councilman Wiggins raised the issue of fuel costs associated with long hauling. Additionally, he posed a question as to whether the Landfill could be reopened in the future. Mr. Hannah indicated a 5 % inflationary factor per year for fuel had been calculated into the long hauling projections. In terms of the future of the Landfill, Mr. Jones felt the FAA issue would still have to be confronted. One of the reasons an extension in time has been requested is due, in a large part, to the success of the recycling program. Mr. Jones indicated it is taking longer to fill the hole at the Landfill than was originally anticipated. The City would, therefore, still have a hole in the year, 2000. Discussion followed as to which cell is currently being filled, as well as the original growth projections for the Landfill prior to the FAA notification. Discussion also centered around the cost of operations versus the cost of long hauling. Commissioner Kitchel referenced Skagit County which has heavily invested in its landfill, is unable to use it, and is now long hauling. Mr. Jones agreed and listed a number of other entities in a similar situation. Steve Hauff noted there is a major trend toward long hauling, particularly for those west of the Cascades. Councilman Braun inquired as to whether there is a point of saturation for long hauling, and Mr. Hauff cited the number of areas in the west which are strictly in the business of accepting trash from others areas/states. There appears to be more competition for this business. Mayor Ostrowski posed a question relative to the transfer stations, and it was noted that once a determination has been made as to how the long hauling will be accomplished, then a decision will need to be made as to the number of transfer stations needed. He outlined the types of partnerships that could be formulated such as, public/private, all private, or all public. Discussion ensued concerning the ramifications of incineration, many of which are negative due to the environmental impacts. Also, discussion centered around who would be held responsible for trash disposal. Commissioner Duncan observed that the issue of solid waste has changed dramatically over the years, and she encouraged a cooperative effort in seeking the solution. Steve Hauff, in resPOnse to an inquiry from Mayor Ostrowski, indicated the next step in the process would be to await a report from the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, which should be forthcoming in 2 - 3 months. A rewrite of the Solid Waste Regional Management Plan will be coming forward after which some very serious decisions must be made. If a solid waste taxing district is created, all players must be brought to the table in this endeavor. Mark Hannah listed the members of the Advisory Committee, which fairly well represents all those entities involved in solid waste countywide. Public Works Director Pittis stated that every effort will be made to reduce the number of variables. Also, the more immediate role of the City is to address the life of the Landfill, obtain an extension for at least two years, and complete the wildlit~ study. When asked if the Councilmembers and Commissioners would meet with the others involved, Director Pittis responded must of this will be accomplished via the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. In closing, Mayor Ostrowski reiterated the need for a continuation of these types of meetings in the interest of meeting the needs of all concerned. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p Becky J. Uptof~ Prosper Ostrowski City Clerk Mayor -2-