HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-17-84 Utility Committee Lamm barn rpnrt
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alo flit Gammon Count-II of Or OIit1J of Donn? Nutt': UTILITY COMMITTEE
The July 17 , 1984 meeting' of the Utility Committee was called to
order by its chairman, Councilman Joseph Serge at 5`05 p.m. in the Council
informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Puzzello, Beck, Serge,
Zakrzewski, Braboy, Paszek, Crone, and Voorde, Morgan Peck, Mike Vance, John
Leszczynski, Dave Wells, Mark Tenny, Dan Strobridge Craig Hartzer, Irene
Gammon, Duncan Hath of Morrows Sanitation, Joseph Morrow of Morrows Sanitation-,
Joseph J. Guentert, members of the new media and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Councilman Serge noted that he had called this meeting to continue
the discussion of the "solid waste collection system evaluation" . He sought
figures, facts and input.
Mr. Leszczynski then introduced Mr. Dan Strobridga.of Ten Ech
Environmental Engineers, Inc. who had prepared the executive summary for the
City. This summary was discussed at the Mayor-Council caucus on June 28, 1984.
Mr. Strobridge then reviewed his report (copy attached) . It evaluated costs,
alley maintence due to excessive truck traffic, the fact that thousands of homes
do not have a weekly trash pick-up service even though it is required by
local statute. .He noted that the study took approximately four months and it. -
evaluated the City' s present program, measured productivity, suggested
alternatives, and proposed various rate structures ' The study suggested banning
the 55 gallon garbage cans since they were heavy and oftentimes were used as
burn cans. He noted that thousands of dollars were spent through the
Neighborhood Code office since many homes does not.:carry such a service. He added
that the average cost of private collection would be $7.00 per month, and if the
City would provide the service it would be $5 . 00 per month if no exemption was
given to senior citizens. The study also suggested that the City reduce its
routes from 8 - 6 if the three man crews are .continued. If however the City
desires to reduce the routes from 8 to 7 two man crews could be used instead
with the costs averaging to be $5 . 07 a month., or if a senior citizen discount
was givenl.).the cost would be $5. 86 per month..
Mr. Strobridge stated that the capital cost would be phased in over
a four year period at the rate of $5.-29 per month if no senior citizen discount
was given. If it would be given the cost would be $6.19 monthly. A 5 to 7 year
replacement of equipment was built into the numbers.
If the City would handle the system exclusively the cost for equipment
alone would exceed one million dollars since the City has "terribly inefficient
equipment" . Ten Ech recommended that a combination of exclusive franchising
of both private and public haulers be used where the City is divided into
sections where only one private hauler would be permitted per section. Councilma
Serge the Ten Ech representative for their fine presentation.
Councilman Crone questioned whether the City would handle all of the
billings and all of the complaints if the franchise type system recommended by
Ten Ech would be used. She was advised that the City would serve in both
capacities and that the sanitation supervisor would have to followup and
investigate serious complaints. Ten Ech recommended a 30 gallon maximum containe
which could be either plastic or metal.
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Councilman Beck inquired into what steps could be taken for the
small operators if the City runs -them out of business. Ten Ech responded
that the very small pickup operators could be identified and allowed to
continue so' long as their customers would not be expanded. Councilman Beck
was more concerned about the one-pan packer truck operations who have
invested all of their time.-and_.money into their equipment. She added that
she has not received any-Scpo ular input since the study was revealed.
Councilman Puzzello questioned whether any exemptions could be given
for the "true environmentalists" who dispose of their trash without a
weekly trash serviceac Ten Ech stressed that the current- ordinance -requires
weekly pickup with no exemptions . Councilman Serge noted a location on
Johnson Street where one party pays and the others supply it with trash.
Councilman Zakrzewski asked whether billing would be a problem and was: advised
that it would not be. He then asked whether water could be legally turned -
off for failure to pay a trash bill and was advised by Mr. Vance that
he would refer that question to the legal department.
Councilman Braboy noted that the present City system is not as
efficient as it should be. However, she stressed that eliminating the
smaller haulers would be unfair,: -"th.e little guy always loses out" in the
bidding process.- Many small companies cannot provide a bid bond yet provide
a quality pickup service.. She urged her colleagues to look closely at
this issue.
Councilman Crone asked how many private hauler'.s licenses were
issued by the City and was advised by Mr. Vance that he would check into it
for her.
Councilman Voorde' stated that in his mind the key issues were the
deficit financial situation and the problem of the rates being possibily too
low. He recommended that the City adopt the efficency recommendation by
Ten Ech and consider raising its' rates if necessary. He noted the
opposition he received by. the City Administration and Council when he proposed
a 30 gallon maximum container. He also added that exceptions would dilute
the alley problems in the report.
Mr. Joseph Guentert took issue with. many of the recommendations
proposed by Ten Ech. A copy of his three page critique is attached. Mr.
Mark Tenny of Ten Ech defended their qualifications, their scope of work and
the professional job done in the study.
Councilman Crone noted that the deficit is a major problem as well as
the fact that thousands of household do not receive service which results in
related health and safety problems handled through. the Code Enforcement office.
Mr. Morgan Peck, manager of the Bureau of Sanitation noted the
problems associated with. people taking trash. to the Goodwill boxes. On
Western Avenue alone 25 truckloads were taken. He noted that the City
equipment is 7 to 8 years old and is an 18 yard truck capacity. He was
pleased with the report and believes that compaction units are needed.
Transfer stations were discussed in the past, however with better compaction
the need for a transfer station may be eliminated.
Councilman Beck suggested that the City should get out of the
business and does not want to interfere with the free market place. She has
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received numerous- complaints about the City haulers, who, when they call in
are told to discontinue if they are. dissatisfied. Craig Hartzer noted that
despite these complaints there are any positive aspects of the City's
services.
Mr. Guenert noted that in 19.73 the licensing ordinance was improved
and required coverings for all trucks. He stressed that environmental
concerns should be looked into so that people are encourage to reduce their
trash loads.
Following further discussion 'Councilman Beck made a motion seconded
by Councilman Braboy that Mr.' Leszczynski and a representative from Ten Ech
if necessary, meet with the trash haulers in order to ascertain various
financial information Following this meeting a public meeting with the
haulers and members of the :City will be held through. the Utilities Community
to her all their concerna -.. The mo.tion passed. Councilman Paszek. stressed
the need for a meeting with the trash haulers. Mr. Joseph Morrow of
Morrow Sanitation questioned whether the City could really turn off
someone's water- if they refused to be serviced by a trash hauler they did not
want.
Councilman Crone noted that the Council has been waiting for three
years, for such a study and that an adequate amount of time shuuldbbettaken
to carefully review- the entire. situation. Councilman Beck agreed and was
not convinced that a combination of exclusive franchises was the best way
to go. Councilman Serge noted that this entire area had been a problem for
14 years and the Council should take all the time necessary to develop a
worthwhile program.
Following further discussion the meeting was adjourned at 6 :55. p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph. Serge,. Chairman