Highway Committee
June 18, 2004
8:30 a.m.
DRAFT Minutes
Present were: Paul Allen, Chairman; John Steger, Vice Chairman; Larry Cornell; Merwin Armstrong, Scott Elston
Others present: Ann Homer; Don Chambers; Joe Eggleston; Dave Parker of Blue Moose Sanitation, the Williams of Cortland Sanitation
Absent: Dan Tagliente, Steve Dafoe
Chairman Allen called the meeting to order at 8: 37 a.m.
Mr. Allen opened the meeting by explaining that haulers are taking their trash out of the county because the landfill has the triple tipping fee. On construction jobs, there is occasion for the need for co-mingling. The cardboard can get wet and then can’t be recycled. Mr. Allen also explained that with the contract authorized last evening at the Legislative Session, we are ensuring that we can operate without a Recycling Center for a few more months until we have a new Recycling Center. There will be more dumpsters at the Landfill until the Recycling Center is built.
Ms. Williams from Cortland Sanitation indicated that she knows many of the garbage men are still recycling. Residents who take their own, however, are not being made to recycle. Why are the haulers having to make their customers recycling when residents who haul their own are not made to recycle?
Mr. Allen indicated that we are looking to enforce the laws that are on the books. The issue she brings to light is an important one, and the committee will look at this at the next few meetings. At this point, it is not easy to monitor individuals, especially when they use black bags.
Ms. Williams indicated that there is a law on the books prohibiting black bags. Mr. Chambers indicated that we do encourage individuals to recycle.
Mr. Allen indicated that the committee will be looking at the local laws and resolutions over the next few months. We are looking on the long-term plan and ensuring that the laws we have are enforced.
Mr. Allen indicated that he cannot give Ms. Williams an answer today on her question. Staff at the landfill will be instructed to better police it.
Mr. Parker asked if a contract has been given for building the Recycling Center and when construction will begin. Mr. Chambers indicated that the design company and the construction manager have been hired. We will be going to bid very soon on the actual construction of the building. We hope to be operational by January 1, 2005.
Mr. Elston asked if we charged to deposit recyclables. Mr. Chambers indicated no. Mr. Elston asked what the tipping fee is. Mr. Chambers indicated $60 per ton. Mr. Elston remarked that we then make money when the haulers have recyclables mixed in.
Resolutions
Without objection, this resolution was withdrawn from consideration.
Mr. Elston moved to Rescind 219-02; seconded by Mr. Armstrong. There was discussion about the fear that people will then stop recycling. Mr. Chambers indicated that the landfill will continue to enforce the recycling laws and regulations and make the haulers move large pieces of recyclable materials themselves as we have been doing.
Mr. Parker asked how firm we were on going to three sorts v. two sorts when the Recycling Center is operational? Mr. Allen indicated that we must get the glass separated and separating fibers and others materials is important. Mr. Parker said that he doesn’t have a problem with three sort, as he is a small hauler. However, the County might want to talk to the City, as they use a large hauler and they take the recyclables out of the county because they can haul to a two-sort facility.
Mr. Allen explained that initially we are going with a two-sort, still separating out the glass, and then moving to the three sort.
Mr. Parker suggested considering having glass go to the landfill. Mr. Cornell indicated that this would increase the amount of tipping fees at the landfill. Mr. Chambers indicated that we would have to get DEC approval to do this, but it is a possibility. Mr. Allen said he would look in to this.
All members voting in favor of the motion to rescind 219-02; none opposed; motion adopted.
Mr. Parker thanked the committee for keeping the haulers informed.
Mr. Allen indicated that we will investigate the laws about clear/transparent bags and the committee will converse more about two sort vs. three sort at the recycling center.
Mr. Allen asked the haulers that if we have rates that are more competitive for haulers than they are now and implemented flow control, how would they feel. The Williams indicated that all their haulage goes to the Cortland County Landfill. Mr. Parker indicated that it is more profitable for him to go to Seneca Meadows, since the fee is $30 cheaper. Mr. Parker indicated that if we lowered our fees to $45, he would bring all his haulage to Cortland County. Mr. Parker feels that most all haulers would bring their haulage to Cortland County if the fee were $45.
The meeting adjourned at 9:13 a.m.