2019-10-23 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

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Chair Bennett said he wanted a broad brush overview of what would constitute a holistic look at the question. People need to step back and see there are all kinds of ways waste can be used, and not just focus on waste to energy. There may be a combination of pathways in addition to waste to energy that should be put on the table. Director Kucharski said a full analysis of all options is appropriate. The energy created from burning fossil fuels needs to be reduced, and there should be an alternative fuel that has no carbon footprint. The process needs to be gone through systematically and answers validated. The ultimate solution likely will not come up the first time alternative processes are evaluated. Chair Bennett said that although the Commission has not yet received anything from the County Council on waste to energy, Councilmember Richards previously made it clear he wants their input on matters. This issue is worthy of their efforts, and they can prepare an outline of their views to present. 6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE a. Chair’s Informational Report on the update of the General Plan. Input and comments are needed, especially on matters concerning water. Chair Bennett reported that he has been encouraged by Bethany Morrison, the long- range planner with the Planning Department. She would like input from the commissioners as individuals, particularly on integrating water matters into the General Plan. The structure of the government and how the General Plan addresses water resources is disintegrated. Ms. Morrison is requesting they look into how the General Plan can address issues of water resources, both fresh water and wastewater. The imperative is to look at water very holistically. It will take some of their personal time to read and make comments, but Planning very much wants their input as individuals. b. Director’s Informational Report. • The judge rendered a decision in the Demoruelle lawsuit. The plaintiff’s claims and lawsuit are being dismissed, although she may appeal. (Ms. Mellon-Lacey clarified that the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order still need to be written and filed, and the plaintiff will have 30 days from when that happens to file her appeal.) • As indicated earlier, he is attempting to revise the R-1 schedule and move it forward, but they cannot do much until the EIS has been processed and finalized. • The 2-Bin Recycling Program has changed, as the contractor has decided not to renew the contract. The global market on plastics has collapsed, and they’ve been losing money. He provided a summary of the recycling programs, showing what has changed and what remains, and he explained that the county in and of itself does not recycle, but contracts with companies