02-20-92 Informal Meeting of the Common Council

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Olnmmtttrr Nona INFORMAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL mo tilt Tomlin (IIouncit of II t QIt.% of 13outli *tee The February 20, 1992 informal meeting of the Common Council was called to order by Council President Steve Luecke at 4:05 p.m. in the Council Informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Mayor Kernan, Council Members: Ladewski, Zakrzewski, Luecke, Slavinskas, Washington, Kelly, Coleman, and Puzello; Joseph Pavoni, Jack Dillon, Robert Krusinski, Wayne Falda, Ed Talley, John Leszczynski, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council President Luecke noted that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the "Solid Waste Study"prepared by Tenney Pavoni Associates. Mayor Kernan stated that information for continued discussion on solid waste is necessary so that public hearings can take place on March 17th and March 18th at Edison School and -Navarre School. He also noted that the County Solid Waste Board would have public meetings taking place in the month of March. John Leszczynski then handed out copies of materials addressing solid waste. The first was a listing of "Rubbish and Garbage Removal License Applications" which were approved by the Board of Public Works in 1991. It listed 11 individuals or companies, their street address, the number of vehicles and whether they have state permits (attached). In response to a question raised by Council President Luecke regarding a timetable, Mayor Kernan noted that public input is needed and that nothing specific has been scheduled beyond the March meetings. Mr. Joseph Pavoni then directed the discussion of the 13-page handout (copy attached). The first area discussed was the topic entitled "Eliminate 55 Gallon Drums". It was noted that 17 injuries or approximately 40% of the injuries to the City crews in this department, involve 55 gallon drums. Approximately 18,000 of the 27,000 city customers have such drums. Following much discussion there was a general consensus to eliminate such drums so long as alternatives were made available. The next topic discussed was the "collection fee option". It was noted that state law has set goals of reduction to the landfills of 35% by 1996 and 50% by the year 2001. It was suggested that all residents be limited to two (2) containers with additional ones requiring payment through sticker fees. A six dollar ($6.00) flat fee was discussed. It was also noted that there has been a 11% reduction to the landfill primarily to the Yard Waste Program. John Leszczynski noted that the City will receive a grant from the State of Indiana in the amount of $25,000.00 which will allow the City to purchase a trummel screen. Council Member Coleman suggested that the City track the progress in this area for at least one year. The Council then discussed the "City-wide collection" topic. Mr. Pavoni noted that the City's system is currently very inefficient with a charge of seven ($7.00) dollars per month while the private haulers are charging twelve dollars ($12.00) per month. He noted that if the City would take over the entire system that there would be ten (10) routes with 1,000 stops per route. It would require five (5) new vehicles. Mr. Pavoni noted that the City should have an effective system in place or get out of the system entirely. Council Member Zakrzewski questioned whether private haulers would have the opportunity to offer bids. Council Member Slavinskas also noted that the City should choose the entity who can do the best job. Mr. Dillon noted that there are thirty-three (33) City employees that would be effected if the City would get out of the business entirely. He noted that in 1989 and in 1990 they ran