City of Lawrence                                         

Solid Waste Task Force

July 14, 2011 (6:00 PM) Meeting Minutes

City Commission Room, City Hall

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mayor Aron Cromwell, Billy Beeson, Suzi Cammon, Joe Harkins, Sam Porritt, Daniel Poull, Ralph Reed, Charlie Sedlock, Jeff Severin, Christine Tomlin, Dan Wethington

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

 

STAFF PRESENT:

Dave Corliss (staff liaison),Tammy Bennett, Michael Eglinski, Eileen Horn, Craig Pruett, Kathy Richardson

 

GUESTS PRESENT:

 

 

PUBLIC PRESENT:

Tom Coffman, Paul Davis, Dorothy Hoyt-Reed, Kris Hicks

 

 

CALL MEETING TO ORDER - Mayor Aron Cromwell

 

REVIEW AND APPROVE MEETING MINUTES

 

Motion and second to approve the June 30, 2011 meeting minutes (Sedlock/Wethington).

Vote was passed unanimously.

 

OPEN DISCUSSION: How to approach big bucket items

 

Review of BIG BUCKET ITEMS:

·         Containerization and increased automation

·         Curbside recycling

·         Variable rate pricing

·         Communication to citizens

·         Hazardous waste programs

 

There was discussion on the possibility of forming subcommittees as an approach to tackle the big bucket items list. Each subcommittee would focus on one issue. SWTF members examined the pros and cons of the subcommittee model. The consensus was to continue to discuss issues as a whole group and not in smaller subcommittee groups. The task force recognized that this approach may take more time. Meeting more frequently or for a longer period of time would be expected.

 

The task force agreed on the three main topics to focus on first: containerization and increased automation, curbside recycling, and variable rate pricing. SWTF meetings will be scheduled every other week to address each of these bucket items. Some items may require two meetings. 

 

A couple task force members added that they would like to involve staff in the discussion of each bucket item. Mayor Cromwell explained that the city is cautious that this process is not led by city staff. Staff will continue to provide reports and information to the STWF as requested. Staff will also answer any questions.

 

To help move the discussion forward, Mayor Cromwell suggested the following scenario for Lawrence: increased containerization and automation, a variable rate pricing structure, and city-wide curbside recycling program. There was some support for the Mayor’s recommendations, but a few task force members commented that they would like to review the implementation and operational costs before they agree to any scenario or path.

 

OPEN DISCUSSION FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

 

Landfill Presentation and Tour (confirmed): Thursday, July 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Speaker: Charlie Sedlock. SWTF members will meet at City Hall in the Public Works Conference Room on the ground floor for a quick overview of the Hamm landfill and then take a van out to landfill tour.

 

Curbside Recycling Presentation and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Tour. Several area recycling companies including Deffenbaugh Industries have expressed interest in presenting information to the SWTF regarding their operations and services. Deffenbaugh also offered to host a MRF tour for SWTF if interested.

 

 

PLANNING FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

 

Date

Topics

July 28, 2011

Hamm’s Overview and Tour

 

August 11, 2011

Bucket List Item Discussion: Containerization

-       Review staff memo on cost and rate impact

 

August 25, 2011

 

Bucket List Item Discussion and Presentations: Curbside Recycling

 

Future meeting topics:

·         MRF tour

·         Input from stakeholders (Deffenbaugh, other recyclers, etc.)

·         Second public listening session

 

 

Adjourned at 7:20 p.m.