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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09/21/1998 UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington September 21, 1998 I. Call to Order: Chairman Doyle called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m. II. Roll Call: Members Present: Councilmen Campbell, Doyle, and Williams; Joe Michalczik and Bill Myers. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Manager Ibarra, C. Knutson, J. Pittis, C. Hagar, B. Titus, K. Ridout, S. McLain, and T. McCabe. III. Approval of Minutes: Councilman Campbell moved to approve the minutes of the August 10, 1998, meeting. Councilman Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. IV. Discussion Items: Solid Waste Analysis Manager Ibarra reviewed the history of this issue and stated there were three options which can be considered regarding changes to the solid waste operations. Manager Ibarra stated he was concerned that changing to bi-weekly service with options to change every six months could lead to more problems than it would solve. He felt excellent service for a fair rate was achievable without going to a bi-weekly schedule. Manager Ibarra then reviewed the various options, as well as the pros and cons for each. Option A assumed no conversion with a rate increase from $19.80 to $21.12 per month. Option B-1 assumed 90-gallon conversion as of January, 1999, with weekly pick up. Residential rates would increase to $24.37 per month. Option B-2 assumed 90 gallon conversion as of April, 1999, with weekly pick up. Residential rates would increase to $25.02 per month. Option B-3 assumed 90 gallon conversion as of June, 1999, with residential rates increasing to $25.57 per month. Option C assumed conversion to 90 gallon containers with optional pick up. Manager Ibarra explained the tables in the packet, which showed revenue generated under various rate scenarios and participation levels. Manager Ibarra referred to pages seven and eight of the packet, which show -1- Utility Advisory Committee September 21, 1998 a breakdown of landfill revenues and volume. All assumptions were based on the landfill closing in the year, 2000. Discussion ensued, and Manager Ibarra and Director Pittis responded to questions and provided additional information and clarification. The various options assumed a 6.65% increase in fees for non-residential customers. The Committee expressed concern that commercial haulers will not agree to an increase and will, therefore, take their refuse elsewhere. This would lead to an even larger deficit in closure and post-closure funds. Director Pittis pointed out that the real issue is whether or not to pursue 90 gallon conversion, regardless of pick up schedules. Councilman Campbell reminded the Committee that the conversion was driven by the fact that so many 300 gallon containers needed to be replaced. Replacing them with 90 gallon containers provided the opportunity to offer biweekly service. In a recent survey, 55 % of those responding expressed an interest in biweekly pick up, and staff felt this could possibly generate some cost savings. Also, it was hoped that offering biweekly pick up would generate increased interest in recycling. Councilman Campbell was disappointed that instead of savings being realized, an increase would be needed, and he felt it would be in the City's best interest to go with Option C. Councilman Campbell informed the Committee that he had spoken to the commercial haulers and the City of Sequim. It was his opinion that these entities will not agree to an increase, as garbage can be self hauled elsewhere. Also, Councilman Campbell learned that, at the last Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) meeting, Bob Martin, Clallam County Director of Community Development, stated the County was not going to extend the City's landfill permit beyond October of this year. Mr. Martin stated the City would have three options: close the landfill, appeal to the County Commissioners to override this recommendation, or the County could issue a compliance order to the City with a number of conditions under which the landfill could operate. One of the options was to have a substantial wildlife mitigation program, which Mr. Martin claimed the City did not currently have. Another condition which concerned Councilman Campbell, was that the County would have to be held harmless from all liability for aircraft incidents at the airport. This would mean the City would have to purchase substantial insurance. These two items would result in another increase in landfill rates to keep the landfill operating. The only place these increases could be absorbed would be in residential rates. Attorney Knutson explained that the City had planned on maintaining the increased animal control measures based upon the study being performed by the USDA. However, an arson fire at the Olympia office caused a delay in finalizing the study. Staff continues to work with the USDA in completing this study. Further, it was anticipated that the FAA would issue a letter stating the landfill could continue to operate through the year, 2000, based on that bird control plan. The -2- Utility Advisory Committee September 21, 1998 letter is delayed due to the bird control plan being delayed, and the FAA official who made that statement (promising the letter) had a heart attack, adding another complicating factor to being able to satisfy the County's concerns. Attorney Knutson felt that Mr. Martin wanted certainty by issuing a compliance order. Discussion followed with regard to future communications with the County on this issue. Returning to the issue of garbage can conversion, Councilman Campbell moved to table any changes to solid waste pick up and to develop information relating to an appropriate rate increase for residents, Scenario A. Bill Myers seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding rates increases. Councilman Campbell amended his motion to approve Scenario A, do nothing regarding changing containers or frequency of service; however, the actual rate increase will not be s et until after negotiations with the commercial haulers. Bill Myers agreed as seconder. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. V. Information Only Items Bob Titus, Deputy Director of Utilities and Permits, stated staff has been moving ahead on a SCADA system for the water system and converting the electrical SCADA system over to a radio system. The consultants wish to have a contract, as they have been working on an addendum basis on another project. Mr. Titus wanted to discuss this with the UAC prior to taking an agreement to Council. Manager Ibarra stated the estimates from the consultant were substantially higher than the original estimates. This item will be discussed at a future UAC meeting. VI. Late Items Councilman Williams stated he had received some E-mail regarding the year 2000 (Y2K) problem. He wanted copies of the E-mail to be made part of the record. Deputy Clerk Hagar offered to copy and distribute with a copy to be made part of the permanent record. VI. Next Meeting: The next meeting will be October 12, 1998, at 3:00 p.m. -3- Utility Advisory Committee September 21, 1998 VIII. Adjournment: The ~eeting adjourned at 9:36 a.m. charOn-al ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ D~uty Ci, &erk ' ~/ -4-