HomeMy WebLinkAboutSWAG minutes 082514Approved September 12, 2014
Solid Waste Advisory Group Meeting Summary
DATE: August 25, 2014
LOCATION: Solid Waste Administration Training Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: Hillsborough Commissioner Kathleen Ferguson, Carrboro Alderman
Randee Haven - O'Donnell, Orange County Commissioner -Chair Barry Jacobs, Chapel Hill
Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt, Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle, Hillsborough Commissioner Brian
Lowen, Orange County Commissioner Penny Rich, Chapel Hill Councilmember Jim Ward
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Facilitator Michael Talbert,
Hillsborough Public Works Director Ken Hines, Chapel Hill Solid Waste Wendy Simmons,
Chapel Hill Public Works Director Lance Norris, OC Solid Waste Paul Spire, OC Solid Waste
Blair Pollock, Carrboro Public Works Director George Seiz, Assistant County Manager Cheryl
Young, OC Solid Waste Kristina Witosky, OC Solid Waste Jennie Knowlton
University of North Carolina Participation
• Chancellor Folt was invited to send two representatives to participate. Chancellor Folt is
enthusiastic but requested a formal invitation
• Members request that both UNC University and UNC Healthcare are included and to
each be invited to send one representative
• Lowen makes a motion to send a formal invitation to UNC University, inclusive of the
UNC Healthcare, to be part of SWAG. Agreed to by consensus
Priority Agenda Items
• Prioritize Interlocal Agreement for Solid Waste Management draft list, including funding,
pay -as -you- throw, alternate solid waste solutions, SWAB issues, plastic shopping bag
elimination or pay for bags, involve staff from all jurisdictions in recommending priorities
• Cohesiveness and joint - planning of Interlocal Agreement and long -term plan
• Public Communication
• Additional ideas to be sent directly to Michael Talbert by email. Deadline dates for
priority items to be solicited from staff
Citizen Participation
• Citizen participation is critical. Possible comments before and /or after SWAG meetings
• Solid Waste professionals can be solicited to give presentations on specific topics
• Recommendations about Interlocal Agreement should come only from SWAG members
• Needs to be agreed upon by voting member to avoid undermining
• Interlocal Agreement is a political document to be taken back to Boards for
voting
• Possible to have citizens on a Solid Waste Advisory Board at later date
Some boards may have citizen comments at their own board meetings that
SWAG members will bring back
Approved September 12, 2014
Communication to Public
• Joint communication is important and necessary
• Bonnie Hammersley suggests that County staff take responsibly for contacting the other
jurisdictions and creating a joint press release. Will also create a plan for future
communications. Agreed to by consensus
• After UNC accepts invitation, press release and meeting schedule to be announced
• Public updates will also be done at individual board meetings
Rules and Procedures for SWAG
• Voting will be decided by a strong, working majority. May differ per individual vote
• Participation by phone, Skype, etc. may be acceptable per County and Towns attorneys'
input
• Quorum will be six members (with a ten member group), with at least one member per
jurisdiction. If one member from jurisdiction could not attend, vote may be postponed
• Alternates will not be accepted, resignations can be replaced
• Meeting summaries will be used, while each meeting will be recorded
• Notifications will be done by email. No hardcopy agenda packets for meetings needed,
only maps. Additional copies for citizens will be available
Meeting Schedule
• TBD
• Every other week, two -hour duration, OCSW Training Room
Preliminary Report to Assembly of Governments
• November 19, 2014
Meeting adjourned at: 8:25pm
Name of Minute Taker: Jennie Knowlton