September 12, 2007
Solid Waste Department
9 a.m.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Terry Hanson, Maureen Freedland, Jason Gilman, LaMoine Parkhurst, Leon Pfaff, Pete Riester, |
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MEMBERS EXCUSED: |
Dale Hexom, Steve Hogden, Dave Corcoran |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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OTHERS PRESENT: |
Brian Tippetts, Jon Schrader, Hank Koch (Foth), Larry Hougom (Hilltopper Refuse), Pennie Pierce (Hilltopper Refuse), Tom Mosher (Wabasha County), Steve Schiffli (Buffalo County), Andy Gayhart (Harters Quick Clean Up), Brian Kadrmas (La Crosse Co. – Public) |
Terry Hanson, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 9 a.m.
§ Approval of Minutes
§ Eco-County Resolution
§ Miscellaneous Information
Brian discussed the resolution re: Eco-County Designation. The City of La Crosse and County have interviewed three consulting firms to help in sustainability issues and have recommended Foth Companies.
Brian provided information regarding the Xcel Energy Tours which will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2007 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The facility is located at 200 S. Bainbridge Street in La Crosse.
Brian provided a news article dated August 27 from the Winona/Region newspaper. The article discussed garbage and recycling services to resolve garbage flow control problems in Buffalo County. Steve Schiffli reported that there has been discussion regarding flow control to develop a plan for the county and municipalities. A draft plan should be available for review by the beginning of the year.
MOTION by Gilman/Parkhurst to approve the meeting minutes of June 6, 2007. Motion Carried Unanimously. (Hexom, Hogden, Corcoran excused)
UPDATE ON COLLECTION OF MEDICATIONS
Brian reported the medication collection has gone better than anticipated. HHM staff were deputized in order to accept Schedule 2 drugs. Medications have come in from a closed pharmacy, an antibiotic warehouse, the Grant County Health Department, nursing home and many homeowners. Since June over seven 55-gallon drums have been filled with medications. Brian discussed the process of handling and disposing of the medications.
E-WASTE BAN
Brian discussed the resolution to ban electronic waste from the La Crosse County landfill. Jon provided a memo reporting the number of televisions and monitors in the waste stream. Jon will continue to monitor and will provide this information at the next meeting. Jon reported if a monitor or television is found in the loads and is not extensively damaged it will be placed in a roll-off box which goes to Scientific Recycling. There were concerns expressed in keeping the costs down for disposal of e-waste to keep the e-waste out of rural ditches.
Maureen asked for a summary at the next meeting listing the number of e-waste items going through the waste stream. She would like more information on the process of disposal at Xcel Energy. Brian reported the last waste sort done at Xcel Energy was in June 1988. This is costly but a waste sort would let us know what is in our waste.
DISASTER DEBRIS
Brian reported that due to the recent flood, the landfill was open extended hours. The DNR gave approval to reopen the demolition site due to the local flood disaster. Due to the demand of roll-off containers the Solid Waste department purchased four new 30 yard containers. Communication on special landfill hours and the public drop-off site was made to all local media outlets, all area municipalities, the Emergency Operation Centers, and Kwik Trip stores in flood impacted areas. Steve Schiffli mentioned that Emergency Government Coordinators need to utilize the expertise of solid waste professionals when they write their disaster plans.
COMMUNICATION ISSUES
Brian discussed the concerns with the funding of a Regional Public Education, Communications & Marketing position with the primary fund source being a tipping fee increase. There may be possible increases with the state budget for recycling fees and environmental fees. These Fees may be imposed retroactive to January 2007. Terry stated that administration, County Board, and the Public Works & Infrastructure committee need more education of the needs of this position. Brian recommended that more work needs to be done to justify this position. More information needs to be provided to the County Board before we can gain full County Board support.
TOP 20 ISSUES OF SOLID WASTE POLICY BOARD
Brian reviewed the top 20 issues. This topic was discussed at length.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
1. E-Waste
2. Progress on Top 20 issues of solid waste policy board
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 12, 2007.
MOTION by Pfaff/Parkhurst to adjourn the meeting. Motion Carried Unanimously. (Hexom, Hogden, Corcoran excused) The meeting adjourned at 12 p.m.
The above minutes may be approved, amended, or corrected at the next Committee meeting.
Buffie Linberg, Recorder