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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 02-11-9223O CITY OF UKIAH CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Regular Adjourned Meeting Workshop Regarding Refuse Diversion Request CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 300 Seminary Avenue February 11, 1992 6:30 P.M. The City Council convened in a regular adjourned meeting at 6:30 p.m. Roll was taken and the following Councilmembers were present: McMichael, Wattenburger, Shoemaker, Schneiter and Mayor Henderson. Staff present: City Clerk McKay, City Manager Rough, City Attorney Rapport, Assistant City Manager Horsley, Public Works Director Goforth, and Administrative Analyst Goodrich. NEW BUSINESS 2a. Workshop Regarding Ft. Bragg Refuse Diversion Request The Public Works Director presented the staff analysis of the City of Ft. Bragg's request to divert their refuse to the City of Ukiah landfill site, due to the impending closure of the Caspar landfill site. Councilmember Shoemaker discussed with staff his concerns regarding the County share of cost for use of the City's landfill, the annual net worth to the City of the landfill site ranging from the $240,000 identified in the staff report to the $360,000 identified several years ago, and the comparitive cost of a new landfill's cost per ton and the Willits landfill cost per ton. Discussion ensued regarding Willits landfill figures, inspection of Ft. Bragg refuse for recyclables and compaction requirements, method of refuse transport, and the expected impact on the Ukiah landfill's capacity. Gary Milliman, City Administrator of Ft. Bragg, reported to Council on the current status of Ft. Bragg's refuse problem with the imminent closure of the Casper landfill site. He indicated they intend to continue to use the Casper landfill until it is closed and outlined current efforts by Ft. Bragg to comply with recycling and source reduction of refuse. Randy Forbes, Mendocino County Solid Waste Operations Manager, outlined current costs per ton at the Casper landfill site and stated that two State agencies are involved in the Casper site closure. He reported that the California Waste Management Board only allows a maximum height of 440 feet plus a 4 foot soil cap, which he estimated will be reached by the end of the year. He also reported that the Water Quality Control Board will soon be issuing a cease and desist order with a date that is unknown at this time. Councilmember Schneiter noted that with the increased cost of transportation of Ft. Bragg refuse in addition to the City of Ukiah staff's projection of reimbursement of it's costs, the cost per ton to Ft. Bragg could reach $80-90 per ton. He asked Mr. Milliman if these costs are reasonable to him as the Administrator of Ft. Bragg. Mr. Milliman answered that the rate seems reasonably constructed by City of Ukiah staff and that Ft. Bragg is left with no other options for the disposal of its refuse. Dan Garvin, Acting Chief of Mendocino County Solid Waste Division, informed Councilmember Shoemaker that the County Board of Supervisors has introduced an Ordinance that 271 mandates full recycling but the County has not imposed mandatory garbage pickup legislation. Louis Rivera, Senior Water Resource Control Engineer, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, stated the agency is willing to work with the City to develop answers. He stated the notified closure date of the Caspar is July 1992 and is discussing with the County the determination of a reasonable closure date. Discussion ensued regarding timeframes for the Caspar landfill, and if the closure was a regulatory closure or a closure of convenience for the County. Michael Scannell, Mendocino County Administrator, commented he is concerned for the citizens surrounding the Caspar landfill and has promised them they will vacate the site as soon as possible and projected a timeframe of 90 to 120 days with a target date of July 1. Ike Dullinger, member of the Ukiah Recycling Task Force, stated that a machine exists that will separate refuse and reduce landfill capacities. He indicated this could be a viable alternative to mandatory recycling. Mayor Henderson commented that he should direct this proposal to the Mendocino Solid Waste Authority. Mike Sweeney, Redwood Valley, expressed concern regarding the increased cost of garbage to Ft. Bragg citizens. He also noted he has concerns regarding the monetary figures asked for by Ukiah for closure costs when the landfill site might be expanded. City Manager Rough stated the staff report does anticipate costs associated with loss of landfill capacity and the eventual closure of the landfill. Councilmember McMichael stated his concern is to protect the current and future interests of the citizens of Ukiah, not Ft. Bragg's. Dave Madrigal, Willits Landfill Supervisor, informed Council that the Willits City Council has not addressed the refuse diversion matter from the Coast yet, therefore the costs are unknown at this time. He expressed concern for AB 939 compliance requirements and hopes that all can address the regional issue of future refuse problems. Mayor Henderson commented that the City of Ukiah has taken a leadership role in addressing regional refuse issues and will be addressing the AB 939 Preliminary Draft report next Tuesday. M/S Shoemaker/Wattenburger to give conceptual approval to take the waste from Ft. Bragg into the City of Ukiah landfill; authorized City staff to begin negotiations for an agreement with the City of Ft. Bragg with the conditions and terms listed in the staff report; authorized City staff to hire EBA Wastetechnologies to prepare the addendum to our Report of Disposal Site Information in which the City of Ft. Bragg will pay those costs; directed staff to further analyze the financial impact on the City landfill and to bring back to Council for approval, a fee that is fair and reasonable to all parties; and indicated he hopes staff will establish what the landfill value amount is, the comparative costs per ton for a new landfill; and that all refuse diversion required by and available to the citizens of Ukiah be required of the City of Ft. Bragg. Discussion ensued regarding the intent of his motion. Councilmember McMichael commented that he cannot support this motion as he has to look at protecting the long term interests of the City of Ukiah as he fears for Reg. Adj. Mtg. February 11, 1992 Page 2 232 jeopardizing the life of the City landfill, and worries about no other alternatives for the citizens at this time. Councilmember Shoemaker expressed hope that the Mendocino Solid Waste Authority will be successful in developing a regional garbage solution for all of Mendocino County. Mayor Henderson called for the question. The motion on the floor was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Wattenburger, Shoemaker, Schneiter, and Mayor Henderson. NOES: Councilmember McMichael. Mayor Kendall, Mayor pro Tem of Ft. Bragg, thanked the Council for their consideration and approval of their request. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m., to February 18, 1992~, at 8:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers, for review of//,the AB 939 preliminary draft report. /~//~ ~/~~/':. cc "r . 88 Cathy' ~cKay,' C~&ty Clerk . Reg. Adj. Mtg. February 11, 1992 Page 3