2020-07-22 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Mellon-Lacey informed the commissioners that if Mr. Holmes were to address agenda items as a speaker, it would need to be set up beforehand and his name included on the agenda under the Sunshine Law so the public would be aware. He cannot just be pulled into discussions. Ms. Fulton suggested they research methane gas harvesting as a means of offsetting costs for the Solid Waste Division, and Chair Pequeño said he would also like point-of-sale fees looked at. He asked Director Kucharski if he was aware of any county efforts to implement point-of-sale fees. Director Kucharski said his department and some County Council members have had discussions on point-of-sale fees for such things as white goods and electronics, and also on paint, oil, and household hazardous waste. However, the question was raised on what it would take to administer several small fees on multiple sales of products. The administrative issues, including auditing requirements, would need to be addressed before they go in that direction, but with the COVID-19 pandemic impacts, a positive review may not come of it at this time. This is not to say they shouldn’t try, but it is not as simple as just creating a fee or fees. Commissioner Adams said this is not an issue of just our county, and one of the recommendations of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee was to work with other counties and the state on this. It needs to be dealt with at the state level, like the HI-5 program. Chair Pequeño suggested they encourage the County Council and administration to propose or request their legislators or a state authority to explore this. He asked if anyone was interested in writing a letter to the County Council, mayor, or both. Commissioner Adams said she would rather see this whole funding issue and how it would be tackled as part of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan follow-up. The plan still needs to go before the Council. Chair Pequeño said he would remove this agenda item until they have more specifics. c. Continued discussion on the recommendations in the draft 2019 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan Update. Chair Pequeño asked if there was any update on when the plan is to be finalized, and Director Kucharski said it is anticipated to go before the County Council in August for review and approval. The commissioners discussed how they could show their support for the plan. Ms. Mellon-Lacey said the commissioners could agree amongst themselves on a position and have a commissioner present it to the Council, or they could testify as individuals at a Council meeting, or they could prepare something in writing and submit it to the Council. 5