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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSWAG Meeting Summary 013122 DRAFT Solid Waste Advisory Group Meeting Summary DATE: January 31, 2022 LOCATION: Zoom MEMBERS PRESENT: County Commissioner Jean Hamilton, County Commissioner Jamesetta Bedford, Carrboro Council Member Randy Haven-O'Donnell, Carrboro Mayor David Seils, Hillsborough Commissioner Rob English, Hillsborough Commissioner Matt Hughes, Chapel Hill Council Member Karen Stegman MEMBERS ABSENT: Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger; UNC Healthcare Representative Dan Lehman, UNC STAFF PRESENT: County Solid Waste Director Robert Williams, County Solid Waste Assistant Director Bruce Woody, Chapel Hill Public Works Director Lance Norris, Chapel Hill Public Works Staff Wendy Simmons, Carrboro Public Works Staff Kristen Benoit, Carrboro Interim Public Works Director Daniel Snipes, Carrboro Town Manager Richard White, UNC-CH Director of Community Relations Kristen Young, County Staff: Cheryl Young, Kyra Levau, and Wanda McCain; Call to Order Approval of June 10, 2020 Meeting Summary- approved Director's Update COVID-19 Impact Williams states that Solid Waste continues to have staff test positive and quarantine. Norris states that Chapel Hill Public Works has had staff out weekly, which has delayed solid waste collections White states that Carrboro has had several employees to also test positive. It makes it more challenging, but so far schedules have been met. University Mall Closing Haven-O'Donnell states that once the habit and convenience is pulled from the community it impacts the ability to divert solid waste. What can be done to impress upon the business community and landowners to do the civically responsible and community minded thing which is to promote recycling. Bedford states that there are two other possible sites at Meadowmont and Cedar Falls Park. When looking at other options, you may want to include Parks & Recreation staff. Haven-O'Donnell states that the McDougal School site was a possibility at one time. I'd like to see that conversation brought back to the table. Hamilton states that there are concerns about school safety and children and people coming in and out but everything should be explored. High Rock Construction Project Williams states that the construction contract is going to the BOCC for approval on February 1, 2022. The plan is to have improvements completed by late spring or early summer. Glass on the Side English asks if the program is only for commercial sites or is there a residential component. Williams states that the residential component is done at the Waste and Recycling Centers and drop-off sites. It isn't feasible to do it curbside at this time. DRAFT Recycling Update Contract: Williams states that the urban recycling contract will end in June 2024. We are gearing up to bring that service in-house. We want to become more efficient by having the recycling and garbage collected on the same day. Commodities: Williams states that the market has started to turn where revenues are being received instead of paying to have the commodities processed. Two things that helped were changing processors and changing the formula for how revenue is calculated. Staffing: Williams states that it is difficult getting and keeping staff. The market is hard right now and people are demanding to be paid more. Norris states that CDL drivers are at a premium right now. The surrounding counties are offering better pay. Snipes states that Carrboro is also having issues of getting people to apply for positions. Hamilton states that it is good for us to know how hard it is. Hughes states that Hillsborough took action to give $2,000 to $4,000 raises across the board to most employees. Introduction of Solid Waste Master Plan Firm G88 Presentation— Chris Lund, Jennifer Porter, Rachel del Campo Gatewood, Hollie Adams Haven-O'Donnell states that with Orange County is taking their waste to Durham which goes to one of the poorest counties in NC. Part of the discussion should be taking care of our own waste. Is this being considered? Is there a part of the conversation on race equity? Williams states the County has a contract with Waste Management transfer station for waste disposal. The material is hauled to Randolph County. Porter states that that is part of what we will be getting from you as part of the issues. del Campo Gatewood states that the questions, with your help will be crafted around those topics. We want to delve deeper into the values of the members of your community. Norris states that hopefully the study will look at a waste recovery facility for Orange County. Chapel Hill previously did a waste recovery facility which was put on hold so that a conversation could be had with the County. Porter states that as part of the assessment of options. We are looking to the key issues and topics that you want to discuss further with the public. Orange County Recycling Star Program Seils states that there needs to be creative ways to let more people know that this is happening especially those that may not be following social media. Levau states that during the first week of evaluations each resident will be given a note about the program. K. Young states that other programs aimed at apartment complexes; is this for neighborhoods outside of apartment complexes. Levau states that this is separate program. This will be for single family households that have single recycling carts. Next Meeting Williams states that a doodle poll will be provided to coincide with GBB when they are ready to provide an update. Public Comment None Adjourn Meeting adjourned at: 7:29pm Name of Minute Taker Wanda McCain