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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 12/09/1996UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington December 9, 1996 L Call to Order: Chairman Michalczik called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. IL Roll Call: Members Present: Councilmen Campbell, and Doyle, Joe Michalczik, and Bill Myers. Members Absent: Councilman Braun. Staff Present: B. Titus, J. Pittis, C. Knutson, C. Hagar, B. Jones, K. Maike, S. Kenyon. I11. Approval of Minutes: Councilman Campbell moved to approve the minutes of the October 28, 1996, meeting. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. IV. Discussion Items: A. Revised Income Guidelines for Low Income Senior Citizen Discounts At Chairman Michalczik's request, Scott Kenyon, Customer Service Coordinator, reviewed the information regarding this issue and responded to questions posed by the Committee. Bill Myers moved to recommend the City Council approve the changes to the income guidelines as presented. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. B. Presentation from the Solid Waste Advisory Committee Bob Jones, Superintendent of Solid Waste, distributed draft copies of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee's (SWAC) recommendations and a letter from West Waste Recycling to the County Engineer. Councilman Campbell had learned that the SWAC was preparing to make a recommendation to the Clallam County Commissioners. He felt it might be useful to have an informal presentation to the Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) so that everyone would understand what SWAC was proposing, and to check for problems that need to be brought to the attention of the SWAC. County staff was concerned that, if the SWAC made a presentation to the UAC first, it would cause problems with the County Commissioners. However, Councilman Campbell felt it would be useful if the UAC reviewed the proposals and discussed the letter from West Waste and Recycling and the draft response to that letter. -1- Utility Advisory Committee December 9, 1996 Councilman Campbell then reviewed the SWAC recommendations and asked Superintendent Jones to comment on them. Discussion followed, and concern was expressed over the County paying its share of post closure landfill costs. Mr. Michalczik noted that post closure costs were not recognized in the draft SWAC recommendations. Superintendent Jones explained that the SWAC recognized that this is an issue, but they do not agree that any contribution is owed. The SWAC is composed of representatives from Port Angeles, Clallam County, Sequim, Forks, private industry, the National Park, the Tribe, one at large member, and the waste industry. Attorney Knutson explained that the County's Comprehensive Plan designates the Port Angeles landfill as the regional landfill. The City has relied on that designation in its planning for the landfill. Part of the City's legal position is that it has relied on the County's Comprehensive Plan; therefore, the City is legally entitled to continue to rely on it. Should the County allow its garbage to go elsewhere, the City would have a cause of action against the County. Superintendent Jones stated that the County is not asking to take its garbage elsewhere; rather, West Waste and Environmental Waste are asking. Further discussion followed, and Superintendent Jones reviewed the letter received from West Waste regarding long-hauling of refuse collected by them in the Forks area. It is Staff's opinion that this would negatively impact the landfill revenue stream and would also be contradictory to the Clailam County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. Superintendent Jones also presented a draft response to West Waste's request to the County Commissioners. Superintendent Jones explained that it's possible the life of the landfill can be extended beyond the FAA-mandated 1998 closing date. If the landfill can be used until the year 2000, the bonding cost goes away, and the cost per ton will be greatly reduced. A Wildlife Management Plan can be used to demonstrate that the landfill is not increasing the bird hazard at the airport. Once this is proven, the landfill can be used to the full term of its intended life. This would then make the landfill the least costly alternative for everyone. After further discussion, Councilman Campbell moved to recommend the City Council consider the draft letter to the County Commissioners regarding West Waste long-hauling refuse and authorize the Mayor to sign it, Bill Myers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Further discussion ensued, and Superintendent Jones felt that the City of Sequim would actively support the City of Port Angeles in its choice of program. A SWAC meeting will be held tomorrow, and current information will be brought to the Council at its next regular meeting. Councilman Doyle was concerned over how to control contract prices with the private haulers, and Director Pittis explained that contracts can mn for extended periods of time. If a contractor decides to raise rates to an unreasonable level, the City can go out for bid. It is a competitive field, and good prices can be found. Chairman Michalczik suggested item F, curbside recycling, be discussed next as it ties into the current discussion. -2- Utility Advisory Committee December 9, 1996 F. Curbside Recycling Contract Extension Superintendent Jones reviewed the information provided in the packet. He stated Waste Management was been good to work with. They have responded to various requests and/or complaints readily and are very accommodating. Mr. Jones and Director Pittis responded to various questions posed by the Committee and offered clarification of the contract extension. Several minor corrections to the contract were noted, and following further discussion and clarification, Councihnan Doyle moved to present the amended contract to the City Council for approval. Bill Myers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. C. Conservation Plan Ken Maike, Conservation Manager, distributed copies of a conservation action plan, and Deputy Director Titus reviewed the information provided on this issue. Ken Maike then presented detail on cost break outs and explained where the money for the program would come from. Mr. Maike estimated that there is approximately $100,000 in BPA Flex Funds money for this program, and approximately $200,000 to $250,000 is currently loaned out from the conservation fund. The return on the loans will be approximately $75,000 per year, and this money will again be put into circulation for the conservation program. Discussion followed, and Mr. Maike and Deputy Director Titus responded to questions directed by the Committee and clarified several issues regarding how incentive amounts were arrived at and how much energy is saved using certain conservation measures. Deputy Director Titus also explained that this Conservation Plan can be changed annually if the Committee and/or Council so desires. Councilman Campbell moved to reconunend approval of the Conservation Action Plan to the City Council. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unaniinously. Joe Michalczik thanked staff for the great job they have done in keeping conservations costs down. D. Regional Review Final Draft Deputy Director Titus distributed an update on the Regional Review Final Draft. The actual draft is a lengthy document; if anyone wishes to read or review it they can contact Mr. Titus. The final document will be presented on December 12, 1996. Deputy Director Titus gave a brief review of some of the changes to the draft document and responded to questions directed by the Committee. There was no action taken on this item. E. NWPPA Workshop Deputy Director Titus presented this item for information only. If any members of the UAC are interested in attending this workshop, he will be glad to make the necessary arrangements. -3- Utility Advisory Committee December 9, 1996 There was no action needed on this item. Director Pittis informed the Committee that the reorganization of the Light/Public Works Department is working well. Councilman Doyle asked if the meeting times for UAC meetings could be changed to earlier in the day. Following brief discussion, Councilman Campbell moved to change the UAC meeting thne to 3:00 p.m. Bill Myers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. None. VI. Late Items Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee will be held Monday, January 13, 1997, at 3:00 p.m. VIII. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Deputy City Clerk ' ~/ -4-