2020-07-22 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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decisions in the public’s interest with our natural resources as the valued principle, and simply do the right thing. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Continued discussion on alternative uses for waste (i.e., waste-to-energy, reclaimed water, etc.) Commissioner Adams said she has done some research and spoken with others to help her understand the wastewater issues. Steve Holmes gave her good information and a brochure on the kinds of things that could be incorporated into a more holistic lifecycle approach to managing waste. The county is already on record as supporting zero waste and sustainable management of resources. She would like to invite Mr. Holmes to give them more background on opportunities for public-private partnership contracts to manage resources and keep them from being wasted. Chair Pequeño said he would also like to hear from Mr. Holmes but suggested they wait until agenda item 6 on public-private partnerships. Commissioner Adams asked whether anyone knew the status of the plastic collection effort in Puna. Director Kucharski said the last he heard was they stopped collecting, as they 1 had supply and permit issues. However, he may not have the latest information. Chair Pequeño said he would remove this item from the agenda until they have specific ideas regarding alternative uses for waste and reclaimed water. b. Continued discussion on possible funding mechanisms for the Solid Waste Division to improve the quality of services. Director Kucharski said they are looking at a process to make the recycling and solid waste collection and processing self-funded. Commissioner Adams said everything is in limbo due to the pandemic, and new business opportunities are not going to be able to come to fruition for awhile. Pilot efforts and a lot of research is going on, but there is nothing ripe or ready for this island. Commissioner Fulton said construction trades are essential services even during the pandemic, and it would be good if they could work on projects that would benefit the county and environment, such as methane gas harvesting. She asked if Steve Holmes could speak on possible funding mechanisms for the Solid Waste Division. 1 At the Commission’s meeting on August 26, 2020, Commissioner Melissa Cardwell wanted a correction. She had spoken with David Marquis of Puna Precious Plastics, and they did collect plastics in July and August. However, due to the new COVID-19 mandate which limits gatherings to not more than 10 people, further collecting is being postponed until that changes. 4