2009-01-28 Enviromental Management Commission Minutes

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- The Division is currently preparing formal responses to DOH letters regarding compliance inspection recently undertaken by DOH staff at various convenience centers. - New signage is being prepared for the transfer stations. MALAMA VEHICLE BAGS were distributed to all commission members and a brief summary of how they came about and where they may be obtained was provided. E-WASTE: Commissioners reported that some residents are requesting more cooperation by The the E-waste vendor relating to hours of operation and returning telephone messages. Division is to investigate and provide follow-up. Technical Services Section Report (attached to original minutes) Wastewater Division Report. See first bullet under Commission members had no additional questions regarding this report. Wastewater Division Report (attached to original minutes) Technical Services Section positions are being merged into the Wastewater and Solid Waste Divisions. Director’s Report (attached to original minutes) The Director opened the floor up to any questions that the commission members might want to ask of him and discussed the waste-to-energy experience that he brings to the County and the Department from Australia. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE EFFORTS TO EXPAND SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION AUTHORITY BEYOND ADVISORY MATTERS: Department Autonomy: - For the Department to become autonomous, it must gain financial independence. - The Department of Water Supply can be used as a potential model. Commission Authority: - The first step in department autonomy is to request more authority for the Commission, to include the authority to set department fee increases. - Sanborn made a motion that an ordinance be drafted requesting power to set solid waste and sewer fees. Commission member Steve Pavao seconded the motion. After discussion, it was the consensus of the commission to amend the motion to request the Director work with Corporation Council to draft an ordinance to give the commission authority over regulating fees for the Department. Five (5) commission members voted for; two (2) abstained and there was one (1) no vote. - The commission members requested that the draft ordinance be brought to the next meeting for discussion. - Commission members agreed to meet with their district council members to discuss expanding the commission and department authorities prior to the next meeting. DISCUSSION AND DECISION MAKING: CHANGING THE MARCH 2009 MEETING DATE TO MARCH 3, 2009, TO COINCIDE WITH SWAC MEETING Commission member Steve Pavao made a motion to move the date of the March meeting to March 3, 2009 to enable members to participate in the SWAC meeting scheduled on that date. Boren seconded the motion and it massed unanimously.