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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 11-01-94150 CITY OF UKIAH CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Regular Adjourned Meeting Solid Waste Workshop CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, CA 95482 November 1, 1994 5:00 p.m. The City Council convened at 5:02 p.m. in a regular adjourned meeting, of which the agenda was legally noticed and posted, for a workshop to review and discuss the Ukiah Landfill and Solid Waste Management alternatives. Roll was taken and the following Councilmembers were present: Mastin, Malone, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, and Mayor Schneiter. Staff present: City Manager Rough, City Attorney Rapport, City Engineer/Public Works Director Kennedy, Public Works Administrator Sue Goodrick, Finance Director Gordon Elton, Water/Sewer Supervisor Borecky and Assistant to the City Manager Harris. Others present in the audience were: Damon Brown, EBA Wastetechnologies, Willits Landfill Manager David Madrigal, Willits City Manager Gordon Logan, George Butler, Robert Reid, Jim Looney, Mendocino County Solid Waste Manager Paul Cayler, Bruce McCracken, Ukiah Solid Waste, Mendocino County Administrator Mike Scannell, County Administrator, Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority Manager Mike Sweeney, Ft. Bragg City Manager Gary Milliman, Ft. Bragg Mayor Patti Campbell, Willits Mayor Bruce Burton, and Willits Councilmember Bruce Alfano. 2. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No one came forward. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 3a. Workshop to Discuss Ukiah Landfill and Solid Waste Management Alternatives - Possible Council Action Regarding Conceptual Direction The City Engineer/Public Works Director presented his report addressing presumptions regarding the physical aspects of the landfill. Discussion ensued regarding proposed elevations addressing the remaining volume capacity of the landfill site, insurance liability coverages, gas and leachate potential subtitle D requirements for the landfill. ' Councilmember Shoemaker questioned the cover dirt calculations and the use of "seat of your pants" best guesses instead of reliance on the 1992 RDSI Study by EBA Wastetechnologies. Discussion ensued regarding landfill capacity in the content of current cover operations and dirt productions with possible future options to increase landfill life. Damon Brown, EBA Wastetechnologies, stated the landfill appears to filling faster than projected and noted it is appropriate to re- evaluate calculations of volumes to develop figures that are current. He explained that last aerial was October 1992, and another aerial would provide current figures. Review of the current landfill volume estimates, closure and post closure requirements, and costs continued. The City Engineer/Public Works Director stated as of June 30, 1995, the funds in reserve for closure and post closure costs will be $620,000, with total closure costs anticipated to be $3.8 million approximately with projected full capacity to be reached in 5 to 7 years. Councilmember Shoemaker stated all costs appear to be too conservative. He noted the new configuration presented by the Public Works Director/City Engineer, which is suggested along the south edge of the landfill footprint, would add 2 years of life to the landfill over and above the stated life in the report. He expressed concern regarding staff allocating excessive cost to Reg. Adj. Mtg. November 1, 1994 Page 1 accomplish this new configuration, but had not added life or 1 ~ 1 revenue that the new configuration would create. The Assistant to the City Manager reviewed the report pertaining to two scenario analysis' pertaining to the current operation of the landfill and the utilization of both inland landfills, with various options. The Finance Director presented a report regarding the financial analyses of each different scenario with different options showing different interest rates of 6% and 8%. Councilmember Shoemaker questioned the additional volume of dirt created by the additional proposed scraper operation and cost per unit of cubic yard of dirt. He noted the amount of dirt created was more than the total capacity of the landfill. The City Engineer explained the cost per hour for operation and the estimated future production volume of dirt. He noted the new filling configuration would be one year. Councilmember Shoemaker questioned the reports showing 6 years of cost. The Finance Director continued with the report regarding the financial analysis of the different scenarios and options. The majority of Council expressed their support for partial funding of post closure scenarios. The City Attorney advised Council they could direct the Environmental consultant when considering alternatives, to conduct an assessment of potential environmental impacts. Councilmember Shoemaker stated as the City representative on the Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority, which represents other agencies in the County, it is crucial that the City of Ukiah clarify its future direction for the landfill operations in order for the other agencies to make informed decisions. He indicated he prefers to see Ukiah reaffirm its commitment to accept County wide wastestream if feasible by the City environmental impact report results. He also requested Council to take action on 1) authorizing staff to analyze the flexibility of a post closure funding mechanism; 2) Request MSWMA to move forward immediately with the site selection for the transfer station; 3) Wants the City to hire a landfill manager, as was intended, but has not been recommended by the City Manager; and 4) the City Council appoint an ad-hoc committee comprised of two Councilmembers to address landfill issues. Councilmember Shoemaker requested these suggestions be incorporated in a Resolution for Council action, which will clarify the City's intent. Councilmember Shoemaker stated it will take 24 to 36 months, including CEQA requirements and site selection, for a program to get a transfer station program running. He stated an accurate date of closure for the Ukiah landfill is a critical factor. The City Manager stated it is critical to know if all four agencies in the County will commit to participating in a transfer station operation. Discussion ensued regarding the need to identify tipping fees and surcharges, to assist the other agencies in analyzing the feasibility of them participating. The City Manager requested direction from Council regarding continue pursuing the City Manager's proposal or to not pursue it any further in the MSWMA Executive Committee. He expressed his belief that there is no need for a landfill manager and expressed his confidence in the qualifications, knowledge and experience of the Director of Public Works/City Engineer and his staff, in managing the landfill. He also expressed his opinion that solid waste/landfill workshops with the full City Council will work better than Ad-Hoc committees. Reg. Adj. Mtg. November 1, 1994 Page 2 5 2 The City Attorney advised Council of the need for careful wording of a policy document due to the current EIR development and permitting process. He noted a resolution can be brought back to Council at its next regular meeting. It was the consensus of Council to allow Councilmember Shoemaker to report to the MSWMA at its meeting tomorrow, that the City of Ukiah, upon completion of the EIR and CEQA process, with approval of the landfill permit documents, the City will be willing and able to accept the County's wastestream. The City Attorney advised Council of the legal CEQA process. It was the consensus of Council for staff to develop a resolution concerning a policy direction determined by the Council, without jeopardizing the CEQA process, and present to Council at the November 16, 1994 meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further busines ~ meeting ~as adjourned at $: 30 p.m. /' / CCMIN.178 Cat~ M~ay C~, City Clerk Reg. Adj. Mtg. November 1, 1994 Page 3