HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/25/2004 Adjourned Meeting 236
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 25, 2004 - 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
1. Roll CaII
Present:
Council: Mayor Paul George, presiding, Council Members Ron Bonlender, Neil
McClure, Mary Place, Bernard Sims, and Susan Whitman
Staff: Dick Zais, City Manager; Chris Waarvick, Public Works Director; Nancy
Fortier, Refuse and Recycling Manager; and City Clerk Roberts
Absent: Council Member Dave Edler (excused)
Also: Scott Robertson, Yakima Waste System
County staff: Wendy Mifflin, Loretta Zammarchi, and Don Gatchalian
2. Study Session on refuse recycling program
Scott Robertson provided background information on Yakima Waste Systems, a private
company operating under the authority of the state. The company employees 64 people
and operates about 50 trucks every day within Yakima County. He is here to discuss
drop site recycling. He provided a map indicating the placement of their tan - colored bins
(the other bins around the city belong to non - profit organizations). They collect clean
paper products, newspaper, cardboard, aluminum and tin cans, and some plastics; (no
glass). All of the products collected are marketable; however, the market fluctuates and
at times they end up paying to dispose of some materials. He reported that Yakima
County is required to have a solid waste recycling plan. The current system is
unsustainable. The city has outgrown the voluntary drop site program, and was never
intended to deal with commercial needs. Graffiti, arson and illegal dumping are out of
control and, due to vandalism, the bins now need to be replaced. The materials
recovered and sold only pay for about 25% of the program cost. A recycling drop site
with windscreens and security needs to be constructed if we want to continue the
program. The current drop sites are located on property donated for that use. If the city
and /or county do not want to support this program, Yakima Waste Systems will drop it
and refer people to their residential and commercial curbside programs. In 2003, just
under six million tons were diverted from the landfill; 2.8 million from the City of Yakima.
This amount will decrease if the voluntary dumpsite program is eliminated, and most
likely, the landfill rates will increase and the landfill will reach capacity at a faster rate.
Yakima Waste Systems provides curbside recycling to approximately 1000 accounts
within city limits. Mr. Waarvick interjected that is about 5% of the City's total accounts.
Council members asked about the projected cost for a mandatory curbside recycling
program, including the hidden cost of filling the landfill at a faster rate than anticipated,
and about the wastestream diversion goal. Mr. Robertson stated that to fund this
program as a joint venture countywide, it would need approximately $30,000 per month
in addition to the amount received from selling the recycled materials. Council Member
Sims said that Yakima Waste Systems wants $360,000 annually to continue the drop
site program for people to contribute recyclables but not pay for service, and the County
increased its goal that we aren't meeting already, which presents a dilemma. He asked
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MAY 25, 2004 — ADJOURNED MEETING
if the solution is curbside recycling. Don Gatchalian reported that the County's goal for
wastestream diversion is 35% for 2005; the goal is increased for the future years. At
30% diversion, we are extending the life of the landfill by 30 %, so there is some benefit.
Kip Eagles, Department of Ecology, stated that the State's recycling goal is 50 %;
however, each plan can identify its own goal. He said that the drop box program is
designed for more rural areas and Mr. Robertson is saying that his company is losing
money on this program. Ms. Mifflin added that the County uses the funds from DOE
(approximately $300,000) for its hazardous household disposal program, which covers
75% of the program cost.
Mr. Waarvick suggested that staff come back with a report providing options, including
what happens if the drop box program is eliminated and what is the cost of assisting
Yakima Waste Systems with funds or shared responsibilities.
Mayor George asked if the County could require curbside refuse collection and to what
extent would that help? Ms. Mifflin responded that the County, under state law, does not
have the authority to mandate curbside refuse collection, nor can they mandate curbside
recycling; unlike cities who have that authority.
3. Audience Comments (6:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.)
Connie Simon, Nancy Willard, Elsie Kerr and Olga Huntzinger, all residents at the Chalet
Villa, spoke about the unsightly mess surrounding the recycling bins located by Wray's
Thriftway, and spoke about how they clean up the debris when the wind blows. They
asked if the bins could be moved to another area or if a fence could be constructed
alongside the sidewalk to catch the debris when the wind blows. Mr. Robertson advised
the ladies that those bins are emptied on a daily basis.
4. Adjournment
Mayor George concluded the meeting, stating that staff will return with a report on
solution options. Mr. Robertson offered a tour of the recycling plant.
SIMS MOVED AND PLACE SECONDED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:02 P.M.,
TO THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2004 AT 11:30 A.M. FOR A LUNCHEON MEETING AT THE
PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY WITH THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Edler absent.
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CITY CLERK PAUL P. GEORGE, MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Karen Roberts. Audio and video tapes of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office
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