HomeMy WebLinkAboutSWAG minutes 031413Quick Report
FROM: Solid Waste Advisory Board
SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting
DATE: March 14, 2013
LOCATION: Sold Waste Administration Building 1207 Eubanks Road Chapel Hill
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Jan Sassaman, Chair & Chapel Hill Rep., Remus Smith Hillsborough
Rep., BJ Tipton UNC ex-officio
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jim Ward, Chapel Hill Rep
STAFF PRESENT: Gayle Wilson, Paul Spire, Jennie Knowlton, Muriel Williman, Kristina
Witosky, Wendy Simmons (Chapel Hill Solid Waste Services Superintendent)
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Beginning time of meeting: 7pm
Old Business (if any): NONE
New Business
Topic A: Approval of December 2012 minutes: Approved 2-0.
Topic B: Public Comment Period: none
Topic C: Solid Waste Forum Recommendation-Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee
Elizabeth Zander of the Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee presented the idea for a
solid waste forum to discuss long range visioning for management of our local area
solid waste. Would need to involve all parties: governmental staff, elected boards,
advisory boards and the general. The purpose is to educate and help the public
understand issues, encourage more collaboration between the parties, and to set
guides for long and short term goals such as minimizing waste, maximizing reuse and
disposing of remaining waste. We plan to have a panel of speakers, Q&A session,
and small group discussions about our guiding principles of waste disposal. The
outcome would be reported to policy makers. Would like to hear SWAB’s input to
make it a successful event.
Smith makes a motion that the SWAB indorses the CH Sustainability Forum proposal
and is willing to support it.
Sassaman seconds. Approved 2-0.
Topic D: County Recommendations for Privatization/Franchising Rural/Urban Curbside
Recycling
Wilson explains the inconsistency of components of the 3R Fee with state law. The
problematic components are the urban, rural and multi-family fees. It has been
decided that those fees will no longer be assessed starting July 1, 2013, although
services will be continued thru July 1, 2014. Looking for alternative ways to fund the
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current services. County Manager has recommended that the rural collection be
franchised, along with garbage. Invited the towns to participate in the franchising for
curbside recycling or develop their own programs. There will be a BOCC discussion
on April 9 and public hearing held April 23rd. Another funding option is creating a solid
waste tax district.
Smith recommends that from among the known options, SWAB supports a single
solid waste tax district or another mechanism to preserve the existing system of
recycling and waste deduction.
Sassaman recommends amending the motion that the board drafts a resolution to be
circulated and approved by all members of SWAB via e-mail/phone and when
finalized, forward to the BOCC.
Smith moves to amend.
Sassaman seconds. Approved 2-0.
Topic E: Programs and Services Update
a. 59% Waste Reduction Rate Achievement for 2012
Wilson announces that the Orange County recycling program is leading the state in
waste deduction per capital. Current goal is 61%.
Sassaman recognizes the encouragement, education and effort of the solid waste
management staff to reach this goal.
b. Walnut Grove Road SWCC Construction
Wilson states that the final step of paving will hopefully occur soon. Eubanks Road
SWCC is proposed to be remodeled next. Orange County will be first in the state to
collect residential food waste from a convenience center.
c. Emergency Storm Debris Management Planning
Wilson states that developing a management plan, including contracted labor and
equipment that would receive and process storm debris, is almost complete. BOCC
have approved two temporary debris storage sites. In process of being permitted with
the state. Getting contract in place for a collection and processing company.
d. Other
Simmons asks about the NC state 3-year SW plan update report due in December
and how should staff be preparing to complete the report.
Wilson informs the board that there is a bill about to be introduced that will eliminate
the 3-year update and 10-year planning requirement.
Simmons states that although no longer required, it is important to achieve goals.
Wilson agrees.
Meeting adjourned 8:30 pm
Name of minute taker: Jennie Knowlton