NOTES OF THE SOLID WASTE POLICY BOARD MEETING

(NO MINUTES DUE TO NO QUORUM) 

June 11, 2008

Solid Waste Department

9:00 a.m.

Discussion session started at 9:06 a.m. 

CONSENT AGENDA

§                     Approval of Minutes

No action taken.  Held over until next meeting.

INTRODUCTIONS

Maureen requested a letter be drafted to thank Terry Hanson for his time and dedication to the Solid Waste Policy Board.  Brian will draft a letter and present it at the next meeting. 

Brian introduced David Eddy, Buffalo County representative.  David has not been officially appointed to the La Crosse County Policy Board but is expected to be appointed at the next County Board meeting.

ELECTION OF CHAIR, VICE CHAIR, AND SECRETARY

No action taken.  Held over until next meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None requested.

UPDATE OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

The Solid Waste Management Plan was approved by the La Crosse County Board on June 10, 2008.  Brian would like to inform various groups and committees of the plan through group presentations.  Brian asked that individuals return their Executive Summary copies if they were no longer being used so they may be distributed to others.  The Plan will be sent onto the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 

E-WASTE RECYCLING

Jeff gave a brief history of the Household Hazardous Facility.  There are currently 600 businesses registered with the program.    The medications program is doing very well with six (6) tons of unwanted medications collected.  Jeff reported things are moving in the right direction.

Best Buy has started a pilot E-waste collection program.  There are restrictions on the components and quantity accepted.  Due to the digital conversion scheduled for February 2009, staff has been working with local television stations to educate consumers of properly disposing of televisions. 

The bill to ban all electronics and televisions from landfills did not pass the Wisconsin legislature’s last session due to time constraints.  Jeff is confident that this bill will pass legislation at the next session. 

Maureen suggested that municipalities be encouraged to recycle more.  Jeff and Brian will draft a letter of information to alert municipality leaders of the importance of recycling. 

USING EPA’S MODEL TO EVALUATE WASTE-TO-ENERGY

Brian has spoken with a scientist at RTI International on what needs to be done to utilize an EPA tool to compare and evaluate the environmental impact of waste-to-energy versus burning coal and landfill disposal.    

FUTURE OF YARD WASTE DISPOSAL

Brian reported that the landfill receives very little yard waste each year.  The leaves and grass are stock piled and land spread.  The charge for disposal is $20/ton.  At present, the County subsidizes the yard waste program, and he is recommending the disposal fee be increased for 2009.  Brian encouraged the committee and staff to provide him with feedback or alternatives for managing this issue. 

DISCUSSION OF WASTE CHARACTERIZATION STUDY

At this time, Brian does not recommend any new waste characterization studies.  Maureen stated she would personally like to see how much plastic is going to Xcel Energy.  Brian stated he could provide that information without doing a waste characterization study.  Tom Mosher also requested this information. 

UPDATE ON SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR POSITION

Nick Nichols has accepted the offer for the position of Sustainability Coordinator within the Solid Waste Department.    Nick will begin this new position on Monday, June 23, 2008.  This position will first focus on Solid Waste issues.  Goals will be established of what should be accomplished.  Brian asked board members and staff to provide him with anything they feel should be pursued so they can be considered in the goal prioritization process.

REVIEW OF ANNUAL MEETING TOPICS

The 19^th annual La Crosse County annual disposal system meeting will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at the La Crosse Center.  The featured speaker is Jeremy O’Brien, P.E., Director of Applied Research for SWANA.  He will be speaking on ways to enhance waste and recycling collection.  The cost is $10 which includes the conference, continental breakfast and lunch.  There is also a golf outing scheduled after the meeting at Forest Hills. 

ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS

1.       Include an agenda item to discuss member reports.

2.       Include an agenda item to discuss any additional items.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2008.

Discussion ended at 11:05 a.m.

Notes taken by Buffie Linberg