HomeMy WebLinkAboutSWAG minutes 021315Approved March 6, 2015 2
Solid Waste Advisory Group Meeting Summary
DATE: February 13, 2015
LOCATION: Solid Waste Administration Training Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: UNC- Chapel Hill Representative Matt Fajack, Hillsborough Commissioner Kathleen
Ferguson, Carrboro Alderman Randee Haven - O'Donnell, UNC- Healthcare Representative Mel Hurston, Orange
County Commissioner -Chair Barry Jacobs, Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt, Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle,
Orange County Commissioner Penny Rich,
MEMBERS ABSENT: Hillsborough Commissioner Brian Lowen, Chapel Hill Councilmember Jim Ward
STAFF PRESENT: OC Solid Waste Eric Gerringer, County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Hillsborough Public Works
Director Ken Hines, OC Solid Waste Jennie Knowlton, OC Solid Waste Blair Pollock, Carrboro Public Works
Director George Seiz, Chapel Hill Solid Waste Wendy Simmons, OC Solid Waste Paul Spire, UNC -CH Solid Waste
Program Manager BJ Tipton, OC Solid Waste Management Director Gayle Wilson, Assistant County Manager
Cheryl Young
Meeting Summary approval
• January 29, 2015 Meeting Summary approved.
UNC -CH and UNC- Healthcare Meeting with County Staff
Meeting scheduled for February 23, 2015, 10am at SW Administration Building, between Orange
County, UNC -CH and UNC- Healthcare. Discuss potential for cooperation and collaboration for solid
waste issues, beginning with recycling. Town staffs are invited to attend
Update on discussion for March 6, 2015 SWAG meeting
Future of Solid Waste Advisory Group
Previous group, SWAB, was created as part of the Interlocal Agreement. Provided an on -going advisory
function, consisted of resident representatives and elected officials. The four jurisdictions nominated
two representatives each. UNC -CH was not a formal member of Interlocal Agreement, but maintained a
liaison throughout. Dissolved in conjunction with the landfill closing
o Included some solid waste professionals
• Examined solid waste technologies
• Communication with jurisdiction boards may not have been consistent
• George Seiz requests clarity on staff role for future group
• Need for New Waste Reduction Goal
o Should a goal of zero waste be considered, with achievable increments
0 61% goal was achieved by taking opportunities as markets developed, with a measured and
practical approach. Had few failures, as was careful in advancing forward, lessened public
confusion
o Rigorous enforcement was possible with County management of landfill. Could exert future
control with county -wide transfer station
Approved March 6, 2015
3
• Wilson suggests having staff review list of issues, evaluate and generate additional issues, present
master list of items that will make the greatest stride to waste reduction. SWAG can then recommend
priorities for the SWAG and /or a citizens group
• Kleinschmidt suggests a facilitated citizens -group to assist in identifying, prioritizing, and crafting a
process for solid waste issues
• Jacobs invites staff to join the SWAG discussion on issues and priorities, possibly starting at next
meeting. SWAG will continue until at least the end of fiscal year. Would like to invite OWASA to join
conversations, including bio- solids. UNC- University and UNC - Healthcare are invited to the Joint Meeting
of Governments
Other
• Next Meeting Topics- Decide on Solid Waste Program Fee, report on possible collaboration with UNC -
University and UNC- Healthcare, discuss future SWAG structure and presentation for March 26th Joint
Meeting of the Governments (7pm Southern Human Services Center, Chapel Hill)
Public Comments -none
Meeting adjourned at: 7:40pm
Name of Minute Taker: Jennie Knowlton